Area Operations Manager

Airgas•Birmingham, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Area Operations Manager (AOM) is a dynamic, collaborative leadership role dedicated to inspiring and guiding our Plant Managers and associates in achieving exceptional results in day-to-day operations, maintenance, safety, compliance, capital expenditures, and budgeting within a defined area. The AOM actively identifies and advances operational programs and excellent practices that enhance the customer experience, improve efficiencies, and optimize costs across the cylinder supply chain. This role collaborates effectively with regional and divisional leaders, subject matter experts (SMEs), and peers to identify and implement training and development initiatives that support our plants in meeting established performance metrics.

Requirements

At least 5 years management experience
Must have strong leadership skills.
Candidates must have valid employment authorization in the U.S. and must not require visa sponsorship now or in the future. This position is not open for non-immigrant visa sponsorship.
Agility and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving market and business landscape.
Strong critical thinking skills to analyze inventory, fulfillment, supply chain and distribution impacts and implement effective operational strategies.
In-depth knowledge of industry, business, and accounting concepts, including ROI, P&L statements, balance sheets, and margin responsibilities.
Must be self motivated and have strong time management skills.
Strong project management abilities.
Ability to deliver clear and engaging oral and written presentations to all levels of management.
Availability to travel 60 percent of the time with the occasional overnight stay.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience
Experience in the packaged gas industry
Experience in capital project management
Prior SAP and Power BI experience
Prior forklift experience
Experience in DOT qualifications, accident reporting along with safety and compliance.

Responsibilities

Guide leadership to production facilities within the assigned area, supporting Plant Managers in achieving Area and Regional performance goals.
Cultivate training, development, and motivate teams to support alignment with company policies.
Support and coordinate multiple Plant Managers.
Analyze key performance indicators, labor plans, overtime, fulfillment, and other data to proactively identify trends and adjust strategies related to fulfillment and cost benchmarks.
Collaborate with production facilities to advance efficient and cost-effective operations that align with customer product needs and nurture a seamless customer experience.
Maintain transparent, proactive communication with the VP of Operations, sharing progress, challenges, opportunities, and improvements affecting the business.
Foster consistent, effective, and frequent communication within the area, articulating the "why" behind initiatives.
Conduct regular facility visits to guide performance, safety, compliance, and training improvements.
Partner with Regional and Division Safety leadership to promote a culture of safety and encourage adherence to safety policies and procedures.
Guide the Airgas Incident Review Committee and support safety improvement plans.
Collaborate with the Cylinder Asset Manager and Plant Managers to maintain proper cylinder supply.
Coordinate equipment bidding and project management, supporting vendor compliance and capital expenditure budget development.
Develop, implement, and revise standard operational practices (SOPs) as needed and share excellent practices.
Support compliance with OSHA, DOT, EPA, FDA, DHS, and state regulations, as well as Airgas policies.
Guide and support initiatives across the region, such as plant efficiency audits, Industrial Gas Manual audits, 5S programs, and continuous improvement projects.
Foster consistent, transparent, and effective communication throughout the District, emphasizing safety and environmental objectives at all Airgas facilities.
Foster teamwork and an employee-focused environment to inspire associates and promote high retention rates.