Vice President Operations

Job Description Summary The VP of Operations is responsible for strategic leadership while also ensuring everyday operational activities run smoothly and effectively. The VP of Operations develops and implements the regional operations strategy for plant operations, safety & regulatory compliance, as well as policy & procedural updates. This position is additionally responsible for managing and directing the capital expenditure process and budgeting. The VP of Operations champions and promotes a strong safety and compliance culture implementing programs to ensure associate safety and company regulatory compliance. Establishes and executes quality and delivery standards for products and services to consistently meet the needs of both internal and external customers. Manages the operation teams driving a culture that fosters safety, employee engagement, ownership, and collaboration in accordance with company policies by hiring, training, motivating, planning and directing work, managing performance and resolving associate issues so that assigned performance targets are met or exceeded. Develops capital expenditure budgets and coordinates capital expenditures once proper approvals have been received. Works with the region Safety management team to coordinate the procedures required for compliance with Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), state regulations and Airgas Policies & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Reviews production orders and schedules to obtain product data such as types, quantities, specifications of products, and scheduled delivery dates in order to plan efficient and cost effective operations that meet customers’ product needs and customer satisfaction. Resolves operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems to ensure minimum costs and minimum delays. Develops, implements and revises, as needed, standard operational practices. Partners with the Human Resources management team to effectively resolve employee relations issues. Provides training and equipment to all Operations employees to safely, properly and efficiently perform their jobs. Leads by example positively promoting safety. Manages the safety and health of employees by complying with all internal policies and procedures and applicable government regulations. Utilizes data such as performance metrics and dashboard reports to identify opportunities with efficiencies, operations, cylinder and product movement and availability, and staffing; drives actions for improve performance. Responsibilities Develop and implement the regional operations strategy. Ensure everyday operational activities run smoothly and effectively. Champion and promote a strong safety and compliance culture. Establish and execute quality and delivery standards. Manage operations teams, including hiring, training, motivating, planning, directing work, managing performance, and resolving associate issues. Develop capital expenditure budgets and coordinate expenditures. Coordinate compliance procedures with OSHA, DOT, EPA, FDA, state regulations and Airgas SOPs. Review production orders and schedules to plan efficient and cost‑effective operations. Resolve operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems. Develop and revise standard operational practices. Partner with Human Resources to resolve employee relations issues. Provide training and equipment to Operations employees. Promote safety and health compliance. Use performance metrics and dashboards to identify opportunities for improvement. Qualifications Required Qualifications Undergraduate degree in Business, Engineering, Operations or related field. In lieu of a degree, consideration for up to 4 years of additional relevant experience may be accepted plus a high school diploma or GED. At least 10 years of increasing leadership responsibility in production or operations with preference for prior packaged gases industry experience. Experience in developing operations strategies and managing budgets. Experience driving a safety culture. Preferred Qualifications Previous industrial gas experience preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strategic thinker with imagination and foresight to conceptualize new ideas and opportunities as well as the tactical skills to implement. Demonstrated knowledge of compliance regarding applicable federal and state regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT, FDA). Versatility to function effectively in a fast paced and changing business environment. Considerable independent judgment and initiative for resolving problems and making recommendations with tact and diplomacy. Excellent leadership, motivational and project management skills. Financial acumen for developing and articulating metrics utilized by business professionals when developing budgets & plans, considering capital equipment purchases, and developing pricing guidelines. Strong understanding of contracts, contractual language and legal terminology. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence others, collaborate and create cross-functionally aligned teams. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficiency with Google suite applications and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel). Benefits Medical, dental, and vision plans; short‑term and long‑term disability; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); pre‑tax commuter transportation benefit; parental leave; vacation, sick time, floating holidays; jury duty and funeral/bereavement leave; paid holidays for all eligible full‑time employees. Eligible employees also qualify for a 401(k) plan with company matching funds, tuition reimbursement, discounted college tuition for eligible employees’ dependents, and an Airgas Scholarship Program for dependent children. Associates who are members of collective bargaining units should review the bargaining agreement to determine eligibility for some or all of the benefits described here and to see any special terms or conditions for eligibility. Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Airgas, an Air Liquide Company, is a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Airgas does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with known disabilities so as to ensure equal access to benefits and privileges of employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr