Associate Director of Operations - Distribution

Praxair•Tempe, AZ

About The Position

The Distribution Manager - Southwest will oversee a cluster of distribution operations across select sites within the West Region, and coordinate rail activities throughout the region. This role is critical in driving operational safety, driver performance, compliance, and productivity within a high‑complexity region experiencing demographic transitions and increasing operational demands. The Distribution Manager – Southwest will work for the West Region Operations Director for Non-Electronics Plants. The Distribution Manager serves as the key leadership link between regional strategic priorities and day‑to-day field execution, ensuring safe, reliable, cost‑effective, and customer‑focused delivery operations. This leader will have site distribution superintendents, mechanics, and professional drives as direct reports. It will also work directly with the Regional Distribution Manager, National Teams, and plant managers to strengthen safety culture, optimize fleet performance, and drive execution of standard processes, training programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, Logistics, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
5+ years experience in logistics and trucking operations
Experience in logistics planning (trip planning and execution)
Experience leading frontline teams (drivers, supervisors, mechanics).
Experience managing rail car operations.
Productivity/Six Sigma Experience (Black Belt)
Working knowledge of DOT regulations, safety standards, and fleet operations.
Strong analytical skills with ability to leverage digital tools and performance data.
Excellent communication, coaching, and change‑leadership skills.
Carrying a cell phone and being accessible is expected
Travel (approximately 30-40%25) is expected

Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance Leadership: Champion and execute all regional and national distribution safety initiatives, aligning with LGUS standards and DOT regulatory requirements.
Conduct and coach teams through distribution safety assessments, compliance audits, and accident investigations, supporting thorough Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities.
Reinforce behavior‑based safety, driver coaching, and consistent application of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all assigned sites.
Driver Performance & Operational Excellence: Manage daily and weekly performance of drivers across multiple sites, ensuring effective trip execution and adherence to safe operating standards and procedures.
Monitor, review, and act on trip efficiency and safety data, implementing targeted action plans to improve performance at site level.
Serve as a key resource in developing and sustaining the Driver Performance Curriculum & Certification programs, supporting continuous education and readiness.
Fleet Maintenance & Equipment Optimization: Ensure maintenance programs are executed consistently (PM schedule adherence, corrective maintenance, compliance documentation).
Partner with Maintenance Technicians and central Distribution to minimize equipment downtime and maximize tractor/trailer utilization.
People Leadership & Development: Lead and develop frontline distribution leaders (Superintendents, Supervisors) across the cluster of locations within the West.
Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of Professional Drivers and Distribution Maintenance personnel. Contribute to building the region’s leadership bench.
Cost Management & Productivity: Drive execution of productivity initiatives, SOP/SMP implementation, and continuous improvement efforts tied to distribution efficiency and cost control.
Review site‑level KPIs and financial results; identify gaps, corrective actions, and cost‑saving opportunities.
Champion distribution productivity activities at his locations, including identifying and leading the execution of productivity projects.
Review regionwide rail performance versus KPIs, and work with national logistics teams to optimize rail performance for the west region in CO2 and Argon.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with Procurement, HR, and Labor Relations to ensure safe customer tank access, quality vendor performance, and consistent labor practices.
Interface with customer service organization to ensure safe, efficient tank installation, and close out of driver eyes-on reports.
Participate in region‑wide initiatives, steering committees, and best‑practice sharing forums.

Benefits

Linde Gases US offers competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package.
Enjoy access to health, dental, disability, and life insurance, paid holidays and vacation, 401(k) matching, pension benefits, an employee discount program, and opportunities for educational and professional growth.
Additional compensation may vary depending on the position and organizational level.

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