Regional Operations Leader

About the Role

We are conducting a confidential search for a Regional Operations Leader to oversee the Houston metro operations of a leading Gulf Coast industrial distributor. This hands-on leadership role is ideal for a proven operator who understands how industrial distribution businesses create value. You will be responsible for the performance, profitability, and operational execution of a multi-functional operation serving refinery, petrochemical, utility, and contractor customers throughout the region.

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • Lead all warehouse operations, ensuring safety, productivity, inventory accuracy, and service excellence
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, throughput, and customer responsiveness
  • Establish performance metrics and accountability across all operational functions
• Logistics and Distribution
  • Oversee fleet operations, transportation performance, delivery execution, and asset utilization
  • Ensure reliable customer fulfillment while controlling logistics costs
  • Maintain compliance with all safety, regulatory, and operational standards
• Inside Sales and Customer Support
  • Lead and develop the inside sales organization responsible for quotations, customer service, expediting, spot buys, and supplier coordination
  • Partner with outside sales teams to improve responsiveness, win rates, and customer retention
  • Build a culture focused on urgency, accountability, and customer satisfaction
• Financial and Business Leadership
  • Own the location profit and loss statement and operating budget
  • Drive operational and commercial performance to achieve annual sales, margin, and profitability objectives
  • Partner with sales leadership to execute growth initiatives and improve market share
• Talent Development
  • Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing operational and inside sales talent
  • Build leadership capability throughout the organization
  • Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, collaboration, and execution

Requirements

• Required Experience
  • Proven leadership experience within industrial distribution, with a strong preference for industrial MRO distribution environments
  • Demonstrated success leading warehouse, inventory, logistics, and customer support operations
  • Experience managing and developing inside sales teams that support outside sales organizations
  • Strong understanding of quoting, expediting, supplier coordination, inventory management, and contractor-driven customer environments
  • Profit and loss ownership, or significant financial leadership responsibility at the branch, district, or regional level
  • Track record of improving operational performance, profitability, and customer service metrics
• Preferred Industry Background
  • Industrial MRO Distribution
  • Industrial Safety Products and Services
  • Electrical Distribution
  • Other Industrial Distribution or Industrial Services Markets

Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate is a decisive operator who combines operational discipline with commercial awareness. They understand how distribution businesses create competitive advantage through execution, customer responsiveness, inventory management, and talent leadership. This individual is comfortable making decisions, managing complexity, and driving results in demanding industrial environments where speed, reliability, and customer service matter.

All inquiries and conversations will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality.