Area Operations Manager

About the role

The Area Operations Manager provides a safe work environment and serves as an excellent leader and contributor, dedicated to the safety and health of Airgas associates. Supports and implements efforts to enhance continuous improvement in the profitability and effectiveness of operations in the designated area of the region. Responsible for the management operations of multiple plants, supporting and guiding at least three plant managers. Has overall responsibilities for all distribution efficiencies within the operations department. Coordinates with other departments to ensure seamless follow through customer service requirements and expectations for the assigned area. Supports, monitors and ensures compliance with company and regulatory requirements. Evaluates accidents and near misses of assigned plants to identify and recommend training needs and quality concerns. Ensures all assigned personnel follow safety policies, attend required safety meetings and support the implementation and continued training of all safety programs. Studies and develops/recommends action plans to continuously improve production, distribution and other operating characteristics in the designated area. Cross-fertilizes excellent operating practices and recommends measures to improve safety performance, production methods, distribution effectiveness, equipment performance, quality of product, etc. to achieve enhanced customer service and overall cost reduction or containment. Provides leadership and direction to all levels of associates in the plant including; positive encouragement and performance evaluation, coaching, providing regular feedback, communication of goals, leading regular team meetings and calls. Conducts individual and group training as required. Provides accurate analysis/measurement of current operational results, program implementation progress, trends and forecasts. Aligns personal performance activities to maintain perspective and balance between production, distribution, other operational processes and improved customer service. Develops expertise in new operational improvement/safety programs. Assists in the transfer of operational process improvements. Facilitates implementation of production and distribution monthly measurement reports. Support the development of a “measurement and action” philosophy. Assists in identification and development of individuals with growth potential within the area and establish a training program to prepare individuals for future opportunities.

Pay

$110,000 /yr - $140,000 /yr + $600.00/month auto allowance

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance
• Up to 14-week paid child birth benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick time
• Benefits start after just 30 days of employment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pre-tax commuter transportation benefit
• Floating holidays
• Jury duty and funeral/bereavement leave
• Discounted college tuition for eligible employees’ dependents
• Airgas Scholarship Program for dependent children

Required Qualifications

• At least five years’ experience in manufacturing or distribution
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to read and comprehend safety data sheets
• Must be able to work flexible hours to meet customer needs and management expectations
• Must be able to work with a wide variety of people with different personalities and backgrounds
• Ability to work independently and under some pressure to meet deadlines
• Must be able to operate in a drug-free workplace

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience in similar industry and position
• At least three years in a management role preferred
• Some experience in handling compressed gases preferred
• Proficiency working with personal computer applications such as Google Workspace
• Understands existing production methods, equipment, cylinder flow, local distribution effectiveness, other operational processes and associated performance statistics of all assigned departments and personnel, through personal contact with management, pumpers, cylinder handlers, drivers, etc.

Location: Vancouver, WA (Admin) - Management