Area Leader

About the role

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

Job Summary

For over 125 years Holophane has been providing indoor and outdoor lighting customers with solutions that meet or exceed a whole host of demanding challenges. As our business grows, we are looking for an

Area Leader to join our team at the Newark Ohio location.

The Area Leader is responsible for managing production operations in a unionized glass manufacturing facility. This role ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBA), promotes a positive labor-management relationship, and drives operational excellence in safety, quality, and efficiency. The role will oversee hourly union associates, ensuring adherence to company policies and labor agreements while fostering an environment of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Leadership & Labor Relations

• Lead, coach, and develop 25-30+ manufacturing associates.
• Manage daily staffing, work assignments, and production priorities.
• Supervise a unionized workforce and ensure compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Partner with HR and union representatives to address employee relations matters and grievances.
• Approve timecards and administer performance management and corrective action as needed.
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, and engagement.

Operations Management

• Oversee daily plant operations, including glass production, inspection, and post-processing.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Evaluate product quality and make decisions regarding material acceptability.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a safe work environment through training, audits, and enforcement of safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, company policies, and the CBA.
• Support Lean manufacturing practices and standard work processes.

Collaboration

• Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, Sourcing, and other teams to achieve business objectives.
• Communicate operational performance, risks, and improvement plans to leadership.

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with hourly employees in a unionized setting; union workforce leadership preferred.
• Prior supervisory experience leading non-exempt employees.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to navigate sensitive employee situations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems such as Oracle, O9, Power BI, and Assembly Cell Portal.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, Kaizen events, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to work in a loud industrial environment and tolerate varying temperatures.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (10-12 hours) and frequently lift, push, or pull up to 40 lbs.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience required.
• Experience leading hourly employees in union and/or non-union environments preferred.

Travel Requirements

• Domestic and/or International 1-20%
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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.