Regional Operations Specialist

Associated Packaging is looking for amazing and talented people like you! Join our team today and become part of one of the fastest growing companies and industries in the country. Employees of Associated Packaging, Inc. enjoy an energetic and people-first company culture. We are excited to offer a premium benefits package including PTO, Employee Assistance Programs, 401k matching, Health Insurance, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, and much more!

Position Summary

The Regional Operations Specialist is Corporate Operations' main support partner to an assigned group of branches. The Specialist makes sure each branch is trained on, and consistently follows, API's standard processes and procedures. They also serve as the first point of escalation beyond the branch lead for day-to-day operational problems, errors, and system issues.

This role supports branch success through thorough training, disciplined follow-up, and quick troubleshooting. The Specialist helps branch managers and their teams meet their KPI targets. They also connect corporate strategy to branch execution: new processes land cleanly, problems get fixed at the root, and every branch operates to the same standard.

Each Specialist also serves as the company's subject matter expert in one or more functional areas, as assigned or qualified.

Key Responsibilities

1. Branch Operations Support & Troubleshooting

• Serve as the primary corporate point of contact for the branch leads and second-level escalation for operational questions, errors, and discrepancies at assigned branches.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across the order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, inventory, and fulfillment workflows. Escalate systemic or cross-functional issues to the right owner.
• Research and correct transaction errors (orders, receipts, invoices, credits, and adjustments) in partnership with branch leads and corporate departments.
• Keep a log of recurring issues and their resolutions so patterns are visible and can be fixed permanently. (Communicated to VP Branch Operations and COO.)

2. Training & Enablement

• Train branch leads to standard operating procedures, system workflows, and process changes, in person, virtually, and on the job.
• Onboard new branch leads to corporate standards, working with branch managers and the corporate training program.
• Deliver retraining where audits, errors, or KPI results show gaps, and confirm the training was understood and applied.
• Support rollout of new processes, system enhancements, and corporate initiatives across assigned branches.

3. Process Standards, SOPs & Compliance

• Ensure branches follow approved SOPs, pricing and terms policies, and internal controls.
• Give feedback to the SOP owner on unclear, outdated, or impractical procedures, and help revise and validate them with branch users.
• Conduct periodic process reviews and spot audits at assigned branches. Document findings and communicate to VP Branch Operations for follow-up and Corrective actions.

4. KPI Support & Performance Follow-Up

• Help branch leads and managers understand the operational KPIs they are measured on and the processes that drive them.
• Monitor branch-level operational metrics and reports to find trends, gaps, and risks early. Work with VP Branch Operations on training gaps identified from missed metrics.
• Partner with VP Branch Operations on action plans that close performance gaps and follow up until results improve.
• Report branch support activity, recurring issues, and risks to the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Branch Operations.

5. Systems & Data Integrity

• Act as a power user of the company's ERP system (NetSuite) and related operating tools and help branches use them correctly and consistently.
• Protect data accuracy at the branch level, including customer, item, pricing, inventory, and transaction records.
• Identify system issues and enhancement needs, document them clearly, and route them to IT and Business Processes through the proper channel.

6. Cross-Functional Partnership

• Work closely with Accounting, Purchasing, Inventory Management, Sales, Customer Service, IT, and other Corporate Operations teams to resolve issues that span departments.
• Represent branch realities in corporate discussions so decisions are practical to carry out in the field.
• Share best practices across branches and with fellow Specialists so the whole network improves together.

7. Continuous Improvement

• Find root causes of recurring errors and inefficiencies and recommend practical process or system improvements.
• Support continuous improvement projects, training-effectiveness reviews, and special initiatives as assigned.
• Leave every branch and process better than it was found.

Subject Matter Expertise

Each Regional Operations Specialist serves as the company's go-to subject matter expert in one or more functional areas, as assigned or qualified. In each area, the Specialist is expected to:

• Maintain deep, current knowledge of the related processes, policies, and system functions.
• Serve as the escalation resource for all branches, not only assigned branches.
• Lead or support training, documentation, and improvement efforts.
• Partner with the corporate function that owns the area on accuracy, controls, and results.

Key Performance Indicators

• Accuracy: Order, billing, inventory, and transaction errors go down
• Training effectiveness: Training is completed, and retraining is followed by measurable improvement
• Process adherence: Spot audits show SOP compliance, and corrective actions are closed
• Partnership: Branch managers and corporate partners give positive feedback

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience in distribution, manufacturing, supply chain, or branch/business operations.
• Hands-on ERP or order management system experience. NetSuite experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of order-to-cash and procure-to-pay processes and how operations connect with accounting.
• Proven ability to train adults, write clear procedures, and explain processes in plain language.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and reconciliation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Word.
• Ability to travel regularly to assigned branch locations.

Preferred

• Experience in industrial packaging or packaging distribution.
• Background in accounting operations, rebates, third-party logistics (3PL), or inventory management.
• Continuous improvement training (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar).
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Core Competencies

• Influence without authority: Earns cooperation through expertise, credibility, and relationships rather than position.
• Service mindset: Treats branches as internal customers and makes their success the priority.
• Ownership & follow-through: Takes each issue all the way to resolution and closes the loop.
• Clear communication: Communicates simply and directly, both in writing and in person, at every level of the organization.
• Attention to detail: Protects accuracy in data, transactions, and documentation.
• Learning agility: Picks up new systems and processes quickly and helps others do the same.

Working Conditions

Office-based work combined with regular travel to branch locations, including warehouse environments. Branch visits may require walking warehouse floors and following all safety protocols and personal protective equipment requirements. Occasional extended hours may be needed during system rollouts, month-end, or special projects.

Why work at Associated Packaging, Inc.?

Longevity - Associated Packaging, Inc. has been providing packaging solutions for companies since 1977.


Stability - Even during times of recession and economic uncertainty, Associated Packaging, Inc. has remained financially strong and experienced tremendous growth.

Customer Service - We focus on partnering with our customers to find and maintain the best solution possible for their packaging needs. Our customers consider us problem solvers and profit enhancers.

Our People - At Associated Packaging, Inc., people are our greatest asset. We value each employee and know that great success comes from a great team.