Lighting Manager

The Kendall Group•Cincinnati, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kendall Group is comprised of eight divisions with 75+ locations in ten states. Combined, we serve the Electrical, Automation, Pipe, Valve, and Fitting products, Steam, Lighting, Industrial Controls, and Instrumentation Industries. The Kendall Group is a 100% employee-owned company. Kendall offers a great opportunity for a rewarding career. Why The Kendall Group? Our employee ownership model is the core of who we are. You will not only own part of the company, but you will own your future. At Kendall, you'll have opportunities to learn and grow while being coached and mentored along the way. We're that company where people stay! We're proud to say more than 60% of our associates have more than 5 years of tenure, and more than 40% have greater than 10 years. At Kendall, you will be valued and supported, your ideas will be heard, your voice will matter, and you'll work alongside incredible people who care about your success. Role Summary: Reporting to the General Manager, the Lighting Manager leads the lighting construction sales and project team and is accountable for department strategy, staffing, financial performance, and successful project execution. This role develops employees, sets priorities, manages key customer and supplier relationships, resolves escalated issues, coordinates cross-functional resources, and drives operational improvements while ensuring compliance with company policies, quality standards, and safety expectations.

Requirements

10 years of experience in lighting design, electrical distribution or as a contractor
High School diploma or GED
Experience working with MS Office; intermediate Excel usage
Deep understanding of lighting representatives, distributor-led sales strategy, stocking considerations, and market positioning
Strong ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
Business acumen, including problem solving skills, critical thinking, and analytical abilities
Strong closing skills
Highly organized and detail-oriented
Ability to multi-task and shift priorities as needed
Ability to work in fast-paced, continuously evolving, and at times ambiguous environment
Ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
Ability to work well cross-functionally
Provides excellent internal and external customer service
Strong interpersonal communications, analytical and problem solving, organizational and written/verbal communication skills
Strong phone presence and listening skills
Strong customer orientation
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to see, talk and hear
Ability to sit for 8 hours a day

Nice To Haves

2 years previous management or lead experience
Solar Eclipse software knowledge
Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, direction, growth, and mentoring
Adhere to our company values of Success Beyond the Sale, Partnership as a Promise, We Do What We Say, Legacy of Impact, and Purpose-Driven Progress
Invest in self-growth through participating in continuous improvement, learning, and development
Set department priorities, assign work, balance team capacity, and ensure appropriate staffing for the project pipeline
Establish sales, service, profitability, and operational goals aligned with Kendall Electric’s objectives
Oversee department’s financial performance, including budgets, forecasts, revenue, gross margin, expenses, and backlog
Review and approve significant quotations, pricing exceptions, contract terms, change orders, and other higher-risk commitments
Champion the full portfolio of lighting construction projects, monitoring schedules, material availability, delivery performance, customer commitments, and closeout
Resolve escalated customer, contractor, engineer, supplier, or internal operational issues
Maintain strategic relationships with key customers, vendors, contractors, and manufacturer representatives
Ensure the team consistently follows company policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety expectations
Monitor performance measures such as quote activity, conversion rate, project profitability, on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, and aging orders
Coordinate resources across sales, operations, purchasing, logistics, credit, and technical teams
Identify process improvements, market opportunities, training needs, and risks affecting the department
Communicate department results, priorities, staffing needs, and business risks to senior leadership
Perform other duties and projects assigned