Operations Manager

BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC; Woodridge (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC is seeking an Operations Manager in Illinois to lead our warehouse and logistics operations for solar products.

You will manage a high-performing team, ensure safe, accurate, and timely receiving, storage, and shipping, and partner with branch leadership to maintain reliable order fulfillment for contractors and project timelines. You will supervise warehouse staff and, where applicable, drivers, driving continuous improvement in safety, productivity, and customer

Qualifications

• OSHA10 certification within the first 6 months
• OSHA30 certification within the first year
• Forklift driving ability
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, presentation and written communication skills
• High level of customer service skills
• Ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking, collaboration skills

Responsibilities

• 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 time-sensitive order fulfillment
• Partner with Branch Manager on hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning
• Manage schedules, payroll, performance feedback, and employee relations
• Oversee end-to-end warehouse flow: receiving, storage, inventory movement, picking, packing, outbound shipping
• Ensure accurate and timely order fulfillment to support project schedules
• Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counting and process adherence
• Optimize warehouse layout, equipment use, and material flow
• Coordinate with logistics teams to meet customer delivery requirements
• Oversee fleet operations where applicable for safe, efficient transport and maintenance compliance
• Maintain a safe working environment aligned with OSHA standards and company safety policies
• Act as on-site safety lead when Warehouse Lead is unavailable

Skills

OSHA10 certification

OSHA30 certification

Forklift certification

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Relationship building

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Education

One to two years related experience

One to two years people management experience

Familiarity with inventory planning and warehouse management

Tools

WMS

ERP

CRMs

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.