Regional Operations Manager

Regional Operations Manager

Able Distributors – Powered by First Supply is a trusted HVAC distributor serving the Chicagoland market for more than 45 years. Built on strong contractor relationships and technical expertise, and known for dependable service and practical solutions. Now part of First Supply, a fifth-generation, family-owned company with over 125 years of history, we operate under Where Tradition Meets Innovation —combining local knowledge with added resources and long-term stability.

The Regional Operations Manager is responsible to drive revenue growth and achieve maximum profitability within assigned territory through successful leadership and execution of all branch operation strategies. Reporting to the region's General Manager, the Regional Operations Manager manages the branch facilities, fleet, warehouse operations and other operational expenses in order to achieve operational efficiency balanced with profitability.

Responsibilities

• Plan methods to maintain or improve operational and financial efficiencies and quality.
• Prepare operational analyses for the region. Define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and recommend corrective actions to meet corporate and regional objectives
• Maintain all facilities in a safe and productive state to ensure the health and safety of all employees and in order to achieve maximum productivity
• Contribute to the creation of an annual maintenance budget for all facilities
• Maintain records showing compliance with all federal, state and local safety, environmental and tax requirements
• Create an action-based culture of continuous improvement and accountability
• Promote consistency of operations within the organization
• Collaborate with regional managers on:
  • Physical layout of facilities
  • Inventory management and accuracy
  • Standard specifications and pricing for all delivery vehicles and warehouse equipment
  • Identification of underutilized or unused distribution assets (vehicles, racking or other tools and equipment).
• Ensure the operations of the regions' warehouses are in accordance with the values, principles, vision, mission and policies at First Supply LLC and meet all legal requirements
• Analyze, report and explain to the region's General Manager the efficiency and dependability of all the regions operating warehouse systems
• Analyze regularly the effectiveness of operations toward achieving financial goals and take prompt corrective action as needed
• Promote consistency of operations regionally and in conjunction with Company goals as a whole
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned by the region's General Manager
• Aide in human resource management and the development of a productive team, including but not limited to: hiring, training, professional development, and disciplinary actions.
• Assure the region's logistics are cost-effective, efficient, productive, and continuously improving:
  • Develop and implement plans to ensure more efficient delivery schedules
  • Develop and distribute standard specifications and pricing for all delivery vehicles and warehouse equipment
  • Identify, record and re-allocate underutilized or unused distribution assets (vehicles, racking or material handling equipment, etc)
  • Provide consultation, analysis, recommendations and assistance to facilities within the region in relation to distribution efforts
  • Assess cost-to-serve of delivery and third party shipping (UPS, FedEx, LTL, etc)
• Expense management
• Assist in developing all areas of the business. (Warehouse, Counter, Inside Sales, etc)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent required
• Minimum of 3-5 years progressive operations and management experience
• Wholesale distribution experience preferred
• Ability to travel regionally (25%-50%) without restriction
• Proficiency with ERP systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strategic and tactical mindset
• Self-motivated with an extremely high sense of urgency, personal energy and stamina
• High level of personal integrity
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written), including the ability to influence, inspire and motivate others.
• Salary range $88,000 - $177,000

First Supply is a leading main channel wholesale distributor, providing industrial customers and building contractors with an extensive line of products and services. We offer a wide range of manufacturer product lines across the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, builder, waterworks, pump/well & septic, industrial, and municipal markets. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, First Supply has more than 700 employees across 29 operating facilities serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan.

First Supply also owns and operates 18 Kitchen & Bath Stores across five Midwestern states under the Gerhard's Kitchen, Bath & Lighting and KOHLER® Signature Store by First Supply brands. Gerhard's is the largest, most versatile kitchen and bath store in the Upper Midwest, offering a wide variety of styles—from contemporary to traditional—along with unmatched service. The KOHLER Signature Stores are immersive kitchen and bath showrooms that provide a distinguished experience where designers and homeowners can get hands-on with hundreds of exclusive KOHLER products.

With a 128-year legacy and a people-first culture, First Supply is committed to building a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow their careers. That commitment has earned national recognition, including a spot on USA Today's 2024 Top Workplaces in the USA, as well as honors as a Woman-Led Top Workplace and an Industry Top Workplace for Distribution.

First Supply LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.