Associate Director of Operations - Distribution

Job Overview:

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.

Key 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 leadi