Area Operations Manager

How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW?

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products. Air Liquide is present in 78 countries with approximately 64,500 associates globally.

Through the passion and diversity of its 18,000 associates, Airgas fosters a culture of safety, customer success, sustainability and innovation. Airgas associates are empowered to share ideas, take initiative and make decisions.

The Area Operations Manager (AOM) is a dynamic leadership role responsible for inspiring and guiding our Plant Managers and associates in achieving excellence in day-to-day operations, maintenance, safety, compliance, capital expenditures, and budgeting within a defined area. The AOM actively identifies and promotes operational programs and best 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 ensure our plants meet established performance metrics.

1. Leadership and Team Development

• Provide leadership to production facilities within the assigned area, supporting Plant Managers in achieving Area and Regional performance targets.

• Lead training, development, and motivate teams to ensure alignment with company policies.

• Oversee and provide direct support to multiple Plant Managers.

2. Operational Excellence

• Analyze key performance indicators, labor plans, overtime, fulfillment, and other data to proactively identify trends and adjust strategies related to fulfillment and cost expectations.

• Collaborate with production facilities to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations that align with customer product needs and ensure a seamless customer experience.

• Utilize critical thinking to resolve operational, manufacturing, supply chain path and maintenance challenges and maximize cost efficiencies.

3. Communication and Collaboration

• Maintain transparent, proactive communication with the VP of Operations, sharing progress, challenges, opportunities, and improvements affecting the business.

• Drive consistent, effective, and frequent communication within the area, articulating the "why" behind initiatives.

4. Safety and Compliance

• 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 ensure adherence to safety policies and procedures.

• Lead the Airgas Incident Review Committee and support safety improvement plans.

5. Asset Management and Capital Expenditures

• Collaborate with the Cylinder Asset Manager and Plant Managers to maintain proper cylinder supply.

• Lead equipment bidding and project management, ensuring vendor compliance and supporting capital expenditure budget development.

6. Standard Operational Practices and Compliance

• Develop, implement, and revise standard operational practices (SOPs) as needed and share best practices.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, EPA, FDA, DHS, and state regulations, as well as Airgas policies.

7. Regional Initiatives

• Lead and support initiatives across the region, such as plant efficiency audits, Industrial Gas Manual audits, 5S programs, and continuous improvement projects.

8. District Leadership and Safety

• Drive 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.

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Are you a MATCH?

• Exceptional leadership and motivational skills with a talent for coaching and innovation.

• Agility and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving market and business landscape.

• Strong critical thinking skills to analyze i