US Director of Operations

Quadra•Houston, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the US Director of Operations, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Quadra’s US operations. A key member of the US Leadership Team and Advisory Council, you’ll help define strategy, guide expansion, and ensure operational excellence across our growing national footprint. In this highly influential role, you’ll oversee several critical functions such as Operations and Facility Management, Logistics/3PL, and Health & Safety — while contributing strategic insights to Risk Management, Sustainability, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality initiatives. You must have a strong willingness to roll up one’s sleeves and work hands-on within a team dedicated to operations and logistics. This role requires being just as strategic as hands-on in day-to-day projects. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President - Corporate, you will partner closely with our Commercial team to drive growth, optimize our supply chain performance, and champion a culture of continuous improvement. Your leadership will be central to ensuring Quadra delivers exceptional customer service while maintaining safety, efficiency and cost effectiveness at every step. Founded over 49 years ago, Quadra is dedicated to its 550+ employees located in Canada and the United States. You will join a North American team that supports clients across the country and across the border. We are one of the largest distributors of chemicals and ingredients in North America and have facilities in strategic locations throughout the US. At Quadra, we offer not only an engaging culture, a collaborative, family-oriented and supportive environment, but also a lot of autonomy and flexibility. We also offer you the opportunity to be part of a professional, fun, innovative and engaged team in a growing, people-oriented organization that is Great Place to Work® certified in the US. You will work with dynamic colleagues who are eager to share their knowledge and contributions with you.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
Minimum of 15 years of leadership, management experience in Operations and Logistics, in a distribution or manufacturing environment
At least 10 years of experience in chemical operations including in bulk chemicals, managing warehouses and/or production environment
Solid experience demonstrated in logistics, distribution, customer service, and third-party logistics (3PL) management, including performance-based vendor relationships.
Strong financial acumen, with experience managing and/or improving P&L performance and operational KPIs.
Demonstrated leadership qualities, able to engage, influence team and external partners
Demonstrated success in building and transforming supply chain organizations, with proven impact on service performance, scalability, and cost optimization.
Strategic and analytical thinker with exceptional problem-solving and process improvement skills.
Excellent skills working in an advanced IT systems environment (ERP, MS Office, Salesforce, Transportation Management System, etc.)
Exceptional communication, negotiation, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Customer-focused mindset with a solid understanding of Total Quality Management (TQM), Continuous Improvement, and Quality Assurance principles
Knowledge of continuous improvement programs and standards such as LEAN, Six Sigma or Kaizen (certification is an asset)
Experienced in leading large-scale projects or infrastructure initiatives (such as new facility design, transload, or network optimization projects).
Project Management experience (PMP Certification, project management methodologies basic knowledge, scheduling / organization would be preferred)
Proven knowledge and familiarity with the following standards, but not limited to: OSHA, CSA, HRA, BRC, ISO, COR, EPA, DOT, etc.
Site assessment inspection experiences an asset
Experience with Tank Farm, Rail Yard, and hazardous materials handling (HAZMAT/ERAP equivalent) considered an asset
Emergency response and incident command training is strongly preferred; must be available to respond to emergencies outside of regular business hours
Ability to travel across the U.S. (and international) for about up to 50% of working time
Will directly lead a team of U.S. Operations and Logistics leaders, with broader accountability for indirect reports across multiple facilities and functions.

Responsibilities

Champion a culture of safety accountability and excellence, ensuring that every team member actively contributes to risk mitigation and safe operations
Define and execute the U.S. supply chain and logistics strategy that supports our growth objectives, customer service excellence and operational efficiency
Continue to build and lead a high-performing Operations and Logistics team – fostering engagement, empowerment, and ensuring a strong culture of safety, growth and continuous improvement
Set and communicate clear strategic goals and objectives for the team aligned on the Company’s strategic plan and long-term vision for the U.S. expansion
Lead organizational change with clarity and purpose, ensuring alignment and flawless execution across functions and business groups.
Develop and manage financial budgets and KPIs for U.S. operations ensuring effective cost containment and achievement of corporate financial targets
Responsibility for overall service level, productivity and cost; measure and monitor service levels, productivity parameters through established KPI’s
Establish and manage relationships with third-party logistics partners, warehouses, and satellite facilities, ensuring contractual compliance, performance, and inventory accuracy.
Act as a Strategic Partner to the Commercial team and Senior Business Leaders, to optimize business and sales objectives for the Company. Become a partner of choice and demonstrate excellent business acumen to support numerous commercial key projects in the United States.
Lead and coordinate major capital and infrastructure projects, ensuring they are executed safely, efficiently, and in line with strategic priorities
Continuously assess organizational capabilities against current and future needs, proactively adjusting to sustain operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Represent Quadra in key industry, regulatory, and community discussions related to logistics, infrastructure, and supply chain development in the U.S.
In collaboration with the Operations and Commercial Business leadership, lead the commissioning and operation of new U.S. facilities, ensuring full compliance, readiness, and alignment with Quadra’s growth plans.
Drive operational optimization and efficiency initiatives across all U.S. sites, including layout redesign, equipment choices, space utilization, and process enhancements.
Work in cooperation with other departments to efficiently manage old inventories and meet yearly objectives on inventory accuracy and management
Oversee compliance with all relevant regulatory programs (e.g. ISO, GDP, BRC, RD, COR etc..) certifications, policies and procedures, internal and external audits to ensure successful qualification within the region
Ensure all health, safety and environmental incidents are recorded, complete with an analysis as to the root cause and the corrective actions needed to solve.
Partner with the Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs teams, to ensure ongoing compliance with EH&S, OSHA, NACD and other safety requirements, including audits for new and existing customers.
Guarantee that operational capabilities consistently meet or exceed customer and industry requirements for safety, cost and service performance.
Act as a change leader, driving a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement across the U.S. network.
Proactively seek opportunities for enhancing operational and logistics efficiencies and cost-effectiveness; conduct comprehensive analyses of existing processes and identify areas for improvement, contributing to the overall optimization of business operations
Lead cross-functional initiatives to standardize and optimize processes, ensuring consistency, quality, and performance across sites.
Serve as the bridge between supply chain operations and commercial functions, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment toward shared goals.
Demonstrate proficiency in identifying potential risks and formulating strategic mitigation strategies
In collaboration with the US Logistics Manager, design an optimized logistics network that balances cost, flexibility, and reliability — including warehousing, transportation, and transloading components.
Lead and coordinate continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain, employing methodologies such as Lean, NPP, Kaizen events, among others. Drive a culture of continuous enhancement to achieve operational excellence
Implement and oversee the standardization of operating processes and procedures at branch levels
Ensure consistency and adherence to established standards, promoting efficiency and quality
Represent and support Supply Chain and Operations in Change Management initiatives as needed. Contribute to the successful integration of changes, aligning processes with evolving business requirement

Benefits

Flexible Remote Work & Autonomy: Benefit from our hybrid work model and manage your schedule based on your priorities.
Tailored training: We invest in your development with training tailored to your career goals.
Permanent, full-time position: Enjoy a permanent, full-time role with long-term career opportunities.
Competitive salary & Performance Incentives: Your hard work is rewarded with attractive compensation and bonuses
Excellent Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and more to keep you covered including our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Generous Time Off: Flexible personal days, sick days and vacation to recharge
Wellness Programs: Enhance your quality of life with wellness initiatives, including health and mental wellness programs from healthcare leaders
401K with match: Plan your future with our matched retirement program
Tech Perks: We cover your cellphone and internet costs to keep you connected.
Family-owned and support environment: Join a private, family-owned company with a strong infrastructure and core values
Award-Winning Workplace: Work in a certified Great Place to Work®, WEConnect Women Owned, and Best Managed Company!
Inclusive & Fun work environment: We cover your cellphone and internet costs to keep you connected.
Career Growth: Unlock opportunities for development in a fast pace growing company
Fun Social Activities: Get involved in company events, Volunteering programs, etc.
Referral & Recognition Programs: Earn monetary rewards through our referral and employee recognition programs (years of service, merit awards, etc.)
And Much More!