Supply Chain & Fleet Ops Lead

Supply Chain & Fleet Ops Lead

Location: Houston, TX (HO) - Bulk cryo logistics - Maritime

The Innovation and Development Division (IDD) drives the innovation strategy for the Hubs and Operations, and contributes to the Group's transformation. It is responsible for imagining, developing and incubating new solutions until they are brought to market, particularly when it comes to offers with a high technological content (including digital and IT). IDD gathers more than 3,000 employees from 70 nationalities at 60 sites.

How Will You Contribute and Grow?

Operating as a vital component of the Dubai-based Maritime Air Liquide Global Helium (ALGH) group, Air Liquide Helium Americas Inc. (ALHAI) oversees the comprehensive helium supply chain for the Americas—a region that accounts for nearly 50% of the Group's worldwide sales. Within ALHAI, the logistics team is essential to these functions, tasked with the safe and on-time distribution of critical product to growing affiliate partners like Airgas and Electronics. Based in Houston, TX, the Supply Chain & Fleet Operations Lead will assume a leadership position within ALHAI's proficient logistics analyst team. This role is responsible for the strategic management of helium logistics throughout the Americas, requiring the ability to harmonize intricate supply-demand variables with a commitment to operational excellence. Acting as a pivotal link between global operations in Dubai and regional activities in the Americas, the Lead will actively shape and execute operational strategies. This role reports to the ALHAI Americas Helium Director but to maintain organizational alignment, the individual will report via a dotted line to the ALGH Operations Director. Daily responsibilities include serving as the lead liaison for internal and external stakeholders and working closely with the logistics analyst group to uphold and improve operational benchmarks. The ideal candidate will be an inspiring leader who excels in high-pressure environments.

Scheduling & Forecasting

• Schedule and manage deliveries to affiliates in the Americas Zone (U.S., Canada, Mexico).
• Forecast affiliate requirements as well as product and rolling stock availability to ensure appropriate supply/demand balance.
• Update daily/monthly distribution schedule of deliveries from sources to ALHAI customers to be used by other ALGH/ALHAI teams.
• Oversee and optimize the performance of 3rd party carriers, ensuring stringent compliance with Air Liquide's safety standards and cost-efficiency benchmarks.
• Actively promote safety and compliance with all regulatory policies and procedures, while maintaining a "zero" vehicle accident / injury frequency rate
• Serve as the primary escalation point for emergency logistics and safety incidents, ensuring immediate response and adherence to Group safety protocols

Imports / Exports

• Ensure ALHAI processes are fully compliant with fundamental import/export control regulations.
• Work with freight forwarding agents, shipping lines, and transportation companies to coordinate oceangoing and inland container traffic

Fleet Management

• Track and schedule routine fleet maintenance
• Ensure adequate and cost-efficient chassis availability for the fleet

Business Processes

• Act as the main point of contact for the ALHAI logistics team to internal and external parties.
• Utilize all computer applications effectively (ex: Telemetry, Google Apps) and ensure timely updates to internal ERP with all vital information: fill schedule, deliveries, port and overseas positions, and invoicing data
• Design and monitor supply chain KPIs to identify bottlenecks and implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Support internal and external audit processes

Long-Term Planning

• Represent ALHAI's logistics position in global discussions with the ALGH team and influence decisions impacting all geographies.
• Develop and/or support and execute periodic project-based work driven by emerging business needs

Are You a Match?

General Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in related field (Logistics, Supply Chain)
• 5+ years of related experience with working knowledge of applicable government regulations (DOT, Import/Export)
• Solid commitment to customer service and customer satisfaction
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; attention to detail; ability to manage multiple tasks on tight deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to use analytical thinking/techniques to solve problems
• Team player with positive attitude; strong collaborative skills especially in an environment with a wide variety of personalities and backgrounds; advanced stakeholder management
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of software applications (spreadsheets, databases, word processing, operational & product management systems, etc);
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Applies knowledge of continuous improvement
• Minimal recurring travel (<20%) domestic and international
• Ability to be "on call" during off hours
• Time flexibility in order to virtually meet regularly with team members in the Paris and Dubai offices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Oracle R12 invoicing and Power BI

Our Differences Make Our Performance

At Air Liquide, we are committed to build a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.

We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their background. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.