We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come… for our customers, our communities, and our planet.
Acuity Brands, 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 and Lighting Controls (ABL) and the Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.
We are positioned at the intersection of sustainability and technology. Our businesses develop technology that helps save our customers energy and reduce their carbon emissions. We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and location-aware applications.
Job Summary
The Senior Manager, Associate Relations and Labor Relations (AR/LR), will partner with associates and leaders across the organization to help us create an environment where the best people come to do their best work. We are looking for a credible leader to focus on investigative matters, including partnering with associates and leaders in situations that include conflict resolution, high-risk performance management, sensitive associate exits, and navigating workplace dynamics that require thoughtful, strategic support. This role is a fit for someone who adapts quickly, thrives in uncertainty, and is seen as an expert in their field.
This work requires exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to connect across all levels, build trust quickly, and guide leaders with clarity and confidence. You should be comfortable in a high-growth, fast-changing environment, making sound decisions with imperfect information. You bring expertise in navigating high-tension, highly escalated associate situations, and remain calm, clear-headed, and grounded under pressure. This individual must approach their work with urgency, empathy, and strong judgment, serving as a collaborative partner and steady presence in nuanced moments. This role helps to reinforce a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and associate empowerment and supports leaders and teams in doing their best work through times of growth and complexity.
This role may supervise one or more associates and work closely with other members of the HR team.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
- Coach, influence and guide managers, HR Strategic Advisors, HR Managers, and cross-functional partners through complex or high-risk associate situations, including conflict resolution, interpersonal friction, performance challenges, and difficult conversations
- Partner closely with our Legal and HR teams on strategic performance management, offering guidance on performance improvement plans (PIPs), documentation, and exit strategies. This role is responsible to ensure decisions prioritize fairness to the individual while also supporting overall team health and business needs.
- Investigate sensitive associate complaints and preparing thorough and concise investigation reports and relevant documentation.
- Lead or support sensitive, high-touch associate exits where preserving dignity, ensuring compliance, and maintaining cultural alignment are all essential.
- Help build scalable tools, templates, and frameworks that strengthen the AR/LR muscle across the company
- Use data and insights to identify trends and advise on systemic solutions that promote trust, engagement, and long-term cultural health
- Navigate ambiguity with a proactive, calm, creative, and solutions-oriented mindset, helping to clarify issues and move toward resolution in a dynamic, evolving environment
- Exceptional leadership abilities and prepared to coach direct reports and broader HR team
Skills and Minimum Experience Required
- Proven experience managing high-tension, highly escalated associate situations with discretion, empathy, and calm under pressure. Ability to de-escalate effectively, build trust in difficult moments, and support leaders through emotionally charged or high-stakes scenarios.
- A proven track record of handling complex performance management, sensitive exits, and conflict resolution with a steady, thoughtful, and pragmatic approach.
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills—building trust quickly, communicating with warmth and clarity, and connecting with associates, managers, and senior leaders alike.
- A low-ego, high-ownership mindset. An ability to work both strategically and in day-to day situations that require hands-on support and a roll up your sleeves mentality.
- Strong instincts for people and culture, with the ability to read situations, understand organizational dynamics, and offer grounded, empathetic guidance.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially when navigating sensitive or high-stakes conversations.
- Comfort operating in ambiguity and rapid change, with the ability to move quickly and decisively while staying aligned with Acuity's brand and mission
- A commitment to fairness, discretion, and principled decision-making. Providing thoughtful, balanced, and clear-eyed guidance, even under pressure.
Education (minimum Education Required)
- Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
Experience (minimum Experience Required)
- 6 to 8 years
Preferred Experience (i.e. Industry Experience)
- Bilingual (Spanish and English)
- 3+ years in a manufacturing environment
- Experience with hourly workforce in union and non-union environments
Preferred Certifications:
- PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP
Physical Requirements
Sedentary Work – Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking or standing is required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Travel Requirements
Domestic and/or International 0 - 25%
Other
Job description is not reflective of all duties. Other duties may be required.
We invite you to apply today to join us as We Light the Way to a Brilliant, Productive, and Connected World!
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.
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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 accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition.
Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Brands from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Brands mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Brands employees, or to Acuity Brands resume database will be considered Acuity Brands property. Acuity Brands will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.
Acuity Brands 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.
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