Distribution Director

Praxair • River Rouge, MI

2d

About The Position

The Distribution Director is accountable for leading distribution, fleet operations, and fleet maintenance across one of Linde Gases US (LGUS) business regions. This position ensures exceptional performance in safety, staffing, equipment utilization, maintenance effectiveness, operational efficiency, and cost management. The Director will guide, coach, and support multiple facilities to achieve regional goals in safety, productivity, customer service, and financial performance.
This role oversees operational leadership teams, drives strategic initiatives, and leads continuous improvement efforts across distribution, logistics, and fleet functions. This position reports directly to the Region Operations Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, business, operations, engineering, OR 10+yrs related transportation industry experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, or fleet management.
• 5+ years of experience overseeing tractor‑trailer preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
• 5+ years managing, sourcing, and maintaining critical spare parts inventories.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience, including supervisors, mechanics, and professional drivers.
• Strong knowledge of DOT regulations and HAZMAT transportation requirements
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and drive performance across multiple sites.
• Advanced analytical and critical‑thinking skills.
• Proficiency with technology platforms supporting driver safety, compliance, fleet maintenance, and operational efficiency.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to champion technology advancement to improve safety and efficiency.
• Willingness to travel 20%25–40%25 overnight

Nice To Haves

• Previous liquid bulk tanker transportation experience a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead a regional distribution organization of 200+ employees, including distribution managers, superintendents, supervisors, mechanics, and professional drivers.
• Oversee and manage a regional distribution budget, ensuring financial alignment with business plans.
• Drive execution of SMPs/SOPs, performance standards, and operational best practices across all facilities.
• Identify and implement resource needs, including supervisors, drivers, and mechanics—to support business requirements.
• Own regional execution of safety and compliance initiatives.
• Conduct and oversee site distribution safety assessments, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Participate in accident investigations and lead root cause analysis (RCA) activities.
• Champion adoption of new safety and efficiency technologies (e.g., OBC systems, trailer tracking, vehicle safety programs, backing cameras).
• Partner with Customer Service organization to review customer tank installations and ensure safe driver access.
• Ensure effective fleet maintenance programs that meet DOT and company standards.
• Analyze fleet performance and maintenance activities to reduce downtime and improve equipment utilization.
• Represent the region in national fleet initiatives, including idea generation, prioritization, and evaluation.
• Collaborate with procurement and central Distribution teams on vendor management, parts procurement, and service contracts.
• Monitor and optimize equipment allocation, driver performance, and operational efficiency.
• Review trip-level safety and efficiency data with local teams and lead improvement action plans.
• Provide monthly reporting to regional leadership on initiatives, KPIs, and operational results.
• Identify productivity opportunities and recommend cost savings within the distribution P&L.
• Support development of technician training standards and certification programs.
• Lead recruitment efforts for professional drivers and maintenance technicians.
• Drive training and development strategies for distribution leaders, technicians, and drivers.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and high performance.
• Collaborate with Corporate Labor Relations and HR teams during contract negotiations and ongoing labor-management interactions.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager