Operations Manager

baywasolarsystems; Woodridge (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Baywa Solar Systems in Illinois seeks an Operations Manager to lead safe, efficient warehouse and logistics operations supporting solar projects and contractors. You will drive timely receiving, storage, and shipping of solar components to meet project timelines.

You will develop a high-performing warehouse team, oversee fleet operations where applicable, and collaborate with branch leadership to ensure reliable order fulfillment and strong customer delivery performance.

Qualifications

• OSHA10 certification within first 6 months.
• OSHA30 certification within first year.
• Ability to drive a forklift.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, presentation and written communication skills.
• High level of customer service skills.
• Able to build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical, innovative, and collaborative thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily warehouse operations with a focus on safety, accuracy, and productivity in a fast-paced solar distribution environment.
• Partner with Branch Manager on hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning.
• Manage schedules, payroll, performance feedback, and employee relations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Customer service

Team development

Safety awareness

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Tools

WMS

ERP

CRM

MS Office

Job description

The Operations Manageris responsible for leading safe, efficient, and high-quality warehouse and logistics operations within a solar distribution branch. This role ensures solar products are received, stored, and shipped accurately and on time to support contractors, installers, and project timelines across the renewable energy industry.

They lead and develop a high-performing warehouse team, and in some locations oversee fleet operations. The Operations Manager partners closely with the Warehouse & Logistics team and collaborates with branch leadership to ensure reliable order fulfillment and strong customer delivery performance.

This role reports to the Regional Branch Manager and directly supervises warehouse staff (and drivers where applicable).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Warehouse Leadership & Team Development

• Lead daily warehouse operations with a focus on safety, accuracy, and productivity in a fast-paced solar distribution environment. Build, coach, and develop a reliable warehouse team capable of executing time-sensitive order fulfillment for solar projects.
• Partner with the Branch Manager on hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning.
• Manage schedules, payroll, performance feedback, and employee relations.
• Drive accountability through coaching, clear expectations, and consistent performance management.

Warehouse Operations & Logistics Execution

• Oversee end-to-end warehouse flow: receiving solar panels, inverters, racking, and related materials; storage; inventory movement; picking; packing; and outbound shipping.
• Ensure accurate and timely order fulfillment to support construction and installation project schedules.
• Maintain strong inventory accuracy through disciplined cycle counting and process adherence.
• Optimize warehouse layout, equipment use, and material flow to improve speed, safety, and efficiency.
• Partner with logistics teams to ensure shipments are scheduled and executed to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Where applicable, oversee fleet operations to ensure safe, efficient transport and preventative maintenance compliance.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE (OSHA / EHS)

• Maintain a safe working environment aligned with OSHA standards and company safety policies.
• Serve as the on-site safety leader when Warehouse Lead is unavailable

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Obtain an OSHA10 certification within the first 6 months and an OSHA 30 certification within the first year.
• Ability to drive a forklift.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, presentation and written communication skills.
• High level of customer service skills.
• Able to build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated strong performance in analytical, innovative, and critical thinking, strategy and collaboration.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• One to two years related experience, including warehouse.
• One to two years people management experience
• Familiarity with inventory planning and warehouse management.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and experience with WMS, ERP and CRMs.