Prototype Shop Manager

Acuity Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Acuity Inc. in Atlanta, GA is seeking a Model Shop Manager to oversee daily Model Shop operations, ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, and drive continuous improvement across processes and team performance.

You will lead Model Makers, manage documentation, and collaborate with engineering, procurement, and finance to support business objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing a model shop or similar environment.
• 5-7 years of experience in model shop, prototyping, or manufacturing.
• 3-5 years of managerial experience in a similar setting.
• Proficiency with Power Platform for data analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Interview and hire Model Maker candidates using standardized processes.
• Define role requirements, training plans, and development goals.
• Monitor employee progress, performance, and priorities.
• Conduct performance reviews and manage compensation planning.
• Foster an open-door culture and promote Model Shop capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain documentation, standard work, training records, SDSs, and logs.
• Develop supplier qualification, risk assessment, and scorecards.

Skills

Model Shop leadership

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Power Platform

BI tools

Communication

Risk assessment

Business continuity planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree in engineering/industrial design/manufacturing

Tools

Microsoft Power Platform

SOLIDWORKS CSWA

Additive manufacturing

Job description

Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.

Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com .

Job Summary

The Model Shop Manager at Acuity Brands Lighting is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Model Shop, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving continuous improvement in processes and team performance. This role involves managing a team of Model Makers, maintaining equipment and documentation, and collaborating with various departments to support business objectives.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• 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.

Business Continuity & Documentation

• 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.

Customer Support & Operational Excellence

• 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.

Internal Operations & Material Management

• Maintain safety, training, maintenance, and forklift certification records.
• Manage inventory and consumable materials to support rapid prototyping needs.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and non‑hazardous materials.
• Implement safe work practices, environmental controls, and process capability improvements.
• Maintain tooling catalogs, process documentation, and alignment with POM requirements.

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in managing a model shop or similar environment.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• In-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to material storage and disposal.
• Proficiency in using business intelligence tools and Microsoft Power Platform.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to conduct risk assessments and develop business continuity plans.

Experience Requirements:

• 5-7 years of experiencein a model shop, prototyping, or manufacturing environment.
• 3-5 years of managerial experience, preferably in a similar setting.
• Proven track record ofteam developmentandperformance management.
• Experience withbusiness continuity planningandreisk assessment.
• Familiarity withlocal, state, and federal regulationsrelated to material storage and disposal.
• Proficiency in usingbusiness intelligence tools such asMicrosoft Power Platformfor data analysis and reporting, a plus.
• Strong background incapital and expense planning, including ROI analysis and business case development.

Soft Skills Requirements:

• Leadership:ability to inspire and motivate a team, set clear goals, and provide guidance and support.
• Communication:excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem‑Solving:strong analytical skills to identify challenges, develop solutions, and implement corrective actions.
• Time Management:ability to prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and meet deadlines.
• Adaptability:adjust to changing priorities and work in a dynamic environment.
• Collaboration:work effectively with cross‑functional teams and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Conflict Resolution:handle conflicts professionally and find amicable solutions.
• Detail Oriented:ensure high‑quality work and adherence to standards.
• Decision‑Making:make informed choices that benefit the team and organization.
• Customer Focus:understand and meet the needs of internal and external customers.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Specialized manufacturing certificates such as: SOLIDWORKS CSWA, CNC programming and machine operation certifications, and additive manufacturing, or demonstration of high competence of any.
• Bachelor’s Degreein engineering, industrial design, manufacturing, or a related field a plus.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at [phone], select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition.

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.

Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams: Acuity is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent Acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We are aware of phishing and fraudulent schemes in which individuals impersonate Acuity representatives or recruiting partners to solicit payments or sensitive personal information.

As you navigate your job search, please keep the following in mind:

• No Financial Requests: Acuity will never ask candidates for payment, credit card information, banking details or other financial information during the interview process.
• Verify Recruiter Communications: Legitimate communications from Acuity recruiters will come from an @acuityinc.com email address. If you are contacted by a recruiting agency regarding a role with Acuity, the agency should clearly identify itself and its relationship to Acuity. If you suspect any suspicious activity, verify the agency legitimacy by contacting [phone], option# 0.
• Be Alert for Suspicious Activity: Exercise caution if you receive unsolicited outreach with unusual requests, grammatical errors, requests for personal or financial information, or pressure to act quickly. Always verify the sender before sharing information or clicking links.
• Report Suspected Fraud: If you receive a suspicious message or believe someone is impersonating Acuity or one of our recruiting partners, please contact [phone], option# 0, report the incident to the FTC atReportFraud.ftc.gov , or toyour state attorney general .