Prototype Shop Lead — Hands-On Leadership

Acuity; Des Plaines (IL); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Dental coverage

Vision plans

401K benefits

Job summary

Acuity Inc. is seeking a Model Shop Manager in Des Plaines, IL to lead the Model Shop within Acuity Brands Lighting. You will oversee daily operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive process improvements while guiding a team of Model Makers.

This role requires strong leadership, experience in prototyping/manufacturing, and expertise with Power Platform and BI tools to track KPIs and optimize performance. On-site commitment is required.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in a model shop, prototyping, or manufacturing.
• 3-5 years of managerial experience in a similar setting.
• Proven track record of team development and performance management.
• Experience with business continuity planning and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations related to material storage and disposal.
• Proficiency in using business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Power Platform for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong background in capital and expense planning, including ROI analysis and business case development.

Responsibilities

• Interview and hire Model Maker candidates using standardized processes.
• Define role requirements, training plans, and development goals.
• Monitor employee progress, performance, and departmental priorities.
• Conduct performance reviews and manage compensation planning.
• Foster an open-door culture and promote Model Shop capabilities.
• Support engineering education and mentor LP participants in Model Shop processes and business operations.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain documentation, standard work, training records, SDSs, and compliance logs.
• Establish reporting, corrective action, and employee training procedures.
• Develop and manage supplier qualification, risk assessment, and scorecard programs to optimize quality, cost, and delivery.
• Maintain equipment records, maintenance schedules, supplier information, and contracts.
• Develop succession plans, job descriptions, and business continuity strategies.
• Document software, hardware, emergency procedures, PPE requirements, and financial records.
• Promote and communicate the Model Shop’s value to product development and company initiatives.
• Manage prototype request processes, lead times, standards, and customer communication.
• Maintain service line offerings and support cross-functional teams.
• Leverage Power Platform and data analytics to track performance, improve operations, and establish KPIs.
• Analyze service metrics to drive process improvements, investment decisions, and outsourcing strategies.
• Develop capital and operating budgets using business and financial data.
• Create ROI analyses, business cases, and approval documentation.
• Coordinate sourcing, legal, finance, and facilities activities for equipment acquisition and implementation.
• Manage equipment lifecycle planning, including installation and disposal.

Skills

Model shop management

Leadership

Team development

Regulatory knowledge

Power Platform

Communication

Organizational skills

Risk assessment

Business continuity planning

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering/related field

Tools

SOLIDWORKS CSWA

CNC programming

Additive manufacturing

Job description

Acuity Inc. is seeking a Model Shop Manager in Des Plaines, IL to lead the Model Shop within Acuity Brands Lighting. You will oversee daily operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive process improvements while guiding a team of Model Makers.

This role requires strong leadership, experience in prototyping/manufacturing, and expertise with Power Platform and BI tools to track KPIs and optimize performance. On-site commitment is required.