Area Operations Manager - PA Area

Airgas•Youngstown, PA

21h

About The Position

The Area Operations Manager leads and supports the day-to-day operations of a Handling & Filling plant, helping ensure efficient production and achievement of team goals. The role partners on strategies to improve plant performance, manage resources, increase productivity, and maintain a safe, inclusive workplace aligned with safety regulations. It coordinates production schedules and works with procurement and supply chain teams to maintain appropriate levels of raw materials and packaging supplies. The manager monitors production flow, resolves operational challenges, supports on-time delivery, and maintains product quality standards through reviews and inspections. The role also attracts, mentors, and supports plant personnel; conducts performance evaluations; provides feedback; and addresses performance challenges constructively. The position prepares and oversees plant operating budgets, identifies process improvements and cost savings, and oversees maintenance of plant machinery and equipment. It develops proactive maintenance plans and coordinates repairs or updates as needed. The manager ensures compliance with applicable regulations, permits, licenses, and environmental, health, and safety standards, and maintains documentation for audits and reviews. The role promotes continuous improvement, lean practices, workflow optimization, waste reduction, and employee participation in improvement efforts.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or distribution operation.
At least 2 years of leadership experience in a distribution environment.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and effective oral and written English-language ability.
Self-starter who is self-motivated, independent, well-organized, and detail-oriented.
Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and the ability to influence without direct authority.
Ability to read and understand technical procedures, government regulations, safety data sheets (MSDS), safety rules, manufacturer operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to work with people with a wide variety of personalities and backgrounds.
Strong analytical skills and ability to understand metrics and communicate them to organizational levels and external customers.
Ability to perform arithmetic using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, and compute rates, ratios, and percentages.
Customer-service orientation and ability to interact professionally, respectfully, and courteously.

Nice To Haves

College degree in supply chain management, logistics management, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Lead and support daily Handling & Filling plant operations and efficient production.
Develop and support strategies to improve plant performance, resource management, and productivity.
Promote compliance with safety regulations and maintain a safe, inclusive working environment.
Coordinate production schedules to meet customer needs and balance resource utilization.
Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to maintain appropriate raw-material and packaging-supply inventory.
Monitor production flow, address operational challenges, and support reliable, on-time delivery.
Maintain product quality standards and oversee quality processes in line with specifications and customer expectations.
Conduct quality reviews and inspections and initiate improvements.
Attract, mentor, and empower plant personnel; foster a positive work culture and employee engagement.
Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and address performance challenges constructively.
Prepare annual operating budgets and oversee budget performance and resource management.
Identify process improvements and sustainable cost savings.
Oversee plant machinery and equipment maintenance to minimize downtime.
Develop proactive maintenance plans and coordinate their execution with maintenance teams.
Monitor equipment performance and arrange repairs or updates as needed.
Maintain compliance with operational regulations, permits, licenses, and environmental, health, and safety standards.
Maintain accurate documentation and records for audits and reviews.
Promote continuous improvement, lean practices, workflow optimization, waste reduction, and employee involvement.