Branch Manager

Location: Baton Rouge, LA (RDA) – Welding equipment rental

About the role

Under the direction of the Vice President, the incumbent contributes to the overall profitability of the company by maintaining a high standard of efficiency and effectiveness in the management of branch and fleet resources in the central and all applicable satellite branches. Travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe working environment by following Airgas/Red-D-Arc’s health and safety guidelines.
• Maintain an exemplary level of customer service at the branch.
• Maintain a high Fleet Available percentage and high quality standard for all rental assets.
• Ensure that all rental assets are repaired quickly and cost-effectively.
• Ensure that parts inventories are organized and monitored.
• Promote used equipment sales.
• Perform inventory audits at all applicable branches.
• Ensure that all branch equipment and vehicles are maintained to a high standard.
• Oversee branch recruiting and onboarding.
• Oversee all fleet transfer in/out of the branch.
• Ensure FA verification resolution during fleet inventory audit process.
• Ensure branches meet safety audit requirements.
• Ensure proper handling and tracking of all rental assets assigned to the branch.
• Ensure proper inventory procedures are followed at the branch.
• Approve all branch purchase orders and invoices with a view to minimizing expenses.
• Ensure A/R collections are performed by the branch in a timely manner, including proper cash management.
• Complete the annual review process in a thorough and timely manner.
• Set mentoring in place and document deficiencies with underperforming staff.
• Ensure all governmental regulatory requirements are met at the branch.
• Implement all operational directives.
• Communicate new policies, sales results, and any other critical information to all branch staff at least monthly.
• Consistently communicate with sales to ensure the operations team is always meeting their customer service needs.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Previous management experience.
• 5 years in a related field.
• Background in supporting and leading teams within a retail or industrial distribution environment.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs and occasionally up to 125 lbs with the aid of material handling equipment.
• Proficient computer skills and an interest in learning new digital tools.
• Ability to navigate multiple priorities concurrently.
• Self-motivated with a focus on contributing to the overall team's success.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively act as a bridge between staff and management.
• Post-secondary education equivalent to one year of Business Management or equivalent (preferred).
• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of positioning equipment, welding applications, and equipment.
• Equipment repair and maintenance training.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, daytime hours.

Pay

Base pay range + Bonus.

Benefits

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

About the company

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products; and a leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals. Through the passion and diversity of its 18,000 associates, Airgas fosters a culture of safety, customer success, sustainability, and innovation. Airgas associates are empowered to share ideas, take initiative, and make decisions. Airgas is a subsidiary of Air Liquide, a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare, present in 60 countries with approximately 66,500 employees.