Senior Manager Focus Factory

Acuity Brands, Inc.; Washington, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Acuity Inc. is seeking a Focus Factory Manager to lead all manufacturing activities within the assigned business unit, ensuring safety, quality, and productivity.

You will develop scalable systems, drive capability, and guide teams through growth and transformation with a strong customer focus. The role requires building a high-performing organization, applying Lean practices, and leading cross-functional initiatives with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Quality to support new product

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and change management initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing activities to achieve Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Productivity objectives.
• Monitor KPIs and establish accountability mechanisms.
• Drive problem-solving activities and rapid issue resolution.
• Build a high-performing manufacturing organization with an engaging culture.
• Promote Lean principles and standardized processes across the operation.
• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Product Management for new product introductions.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Change management

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Leadership development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business Administration

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.

We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals.

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

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Focus Factory Manager is responsible for leading all manufacturing activities within the assigned business unit while ensuring the highest standards of Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Productivity.

This role is accountable for developing a high-performing organization capable of supporting significant business growth through operational excellence, process discipline, continuous improvement, and effective leadership development.

The successful candidate will build scalable systems, drive organizational capability, and lead teams through periods of growth, change, and transformation while maintaining a strong customer focus.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Operational Leadership

• Lead all daily manufacturing activities to achieve Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Productivity objectives.
• Ensure operational performance aligns with business and customer expectations.
• Monitor and communicate key performance indicators and establish effective accountability mechanisms.
• Drive problem-solving activities and support rapid issue resolution.
• Build and develop a high-performing manufacturing organization.
• Foster an engaged, inclusive, and results-oriented culture.
• Promote Acuity's Values and leadership expectations.

Capacity and Growth Management

• Develop workforce and capacity strategies aligned with business growth plans.
• Identify constraints and implement actions to increase operational capacity.
• Support facility optimization and future expansion initiatives.
• Ensure organizational readiness for new business opportunities.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish standardized processes and visual management systems.
• Lead operational excellence initiatives focused on quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Promote data-driven decision-making across the organization.

New Product Introduction

• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Product Management teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Support manufacturing readiness activities and capacity planning for new products.
• Manage operational risks associated with product transitions and changes.

Change Management

• Lead organizational and operational transformation initiatives.
• Drive adoption of new processes, systems, and technologies.
• Effectively communicate change and align stakeholders around business priorities.
• Create an environment that embraces continuous adaptation and improvement.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, Finance, and HR.
• Balance customer requirements with operational capabilities.
• Support enterprise-wide initiatives and strategic priorities as required.

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proven success supporting growth and operational transformation.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and change management initiatives.

Preferred

• Experience supporting facility expansion or significant capacity increases.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI).

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 Brands 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 which 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.

Knowledge of French is required for positions permanently located in Quebec so incumbents can communicate with their colleagues and suppliers in Quebec as necessary. French-language training is offered to all incumbents in permanent positions in Quebec who do not have a good knowledge of French.

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.