Area Operations Director - North Region

American Welding & Gas, Inc.; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

American Welding & Gas, Inc. is seeking an Area Operations Director to oversee multiple branch locations across the Northern Markets (MT, ND, SD, WY, MN).

You will lead operations, safety, logistics, and customer service to drive performance and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of progressive leadership in industrial distribution or manufacturing, a track record of improving processes, and the ability to scale operations while coaching managers and frontline teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Management, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of progressive operations experience in industrial distribution, manufacturing, or logistics.
• Proficiency in supply chain/inventory management in a B2B environment.
• Strong knowledge of safety regulations, DOT logistics, and distribution operations.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and drive operational improvements.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly within the assigned region.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and day-to-day operational leadership for multiple branch locations and facilities.
• Ensure consistent execution of AWG operational standards, policies, and best practices.
• Drive operational efficiency, service reliability, and customer satisfaction across the region.
• Champion safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, EPA, FDA (medical gases), and CGA requirements.
• Oversee gas distribution, fleet management, and route optimization; partner with supply chain for inventory accuracy.
• Lead, coach, and develop branch managers, operations managers, and frontline supervisors.
• Support recruiting, training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Foster accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with sales, production, safety, HR, and finance; integrate new branches.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational leadership

Safety compliance

Budget management

Communication

Problem solving

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Management/Business or related field

Job description

American Welding & Gas Inc. is thrilled to announce an immediate opening for a dynamic Area Operations Director in the vibrant Northern Markets (MT, ND, SD, WY, MN. IN). Don’t miss the chance to make an impact in this key leadership role!

Summary

The Area Operations Director is responsible for the overall operational performance of multiple branch locations and facilities within an assigned region. This role provides leadership across distribution, logistics , customer service, safety, and facility operations to ensure consistent service delivery, regulatory compliance, and financial performance. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with deep experience in industrial distribution or manufacturing environments and a proven ability to lead teams, improve processes, and scale operations.

Duties & Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic and day-to-day operational leadership for multiple branch locations and facilities.
• Ensure consistent execution of AWG operational standards, policies, and best practices.
• Drive operational efficiency, service reliability, and customer satisfaction across the region.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion AWG’s safety-first culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, EPA, FDA (medical gases), and CGA requirements.
• Lead safety initiatives, audits, incident investigations, and corrective action plans.
• Ensure facilities, fleets, and operations meet all regulatory and company safety standards.

Logistics & Distribution

• Oversee packaged/bulk gas distribution, including fleet management and route optimization
• Partner with supply chain teams to ensure inventory accuracy, asset utilization , and product availability.
• Support implementation of technology and process improvements to enhance delivery and warehouse operations.
• Lead, coach, and develop branch managers, operations managers, and frontline supervisors.
• Support recruiting, training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage regional operating budgets, labor costs, and capital expenditures.
• Monitor KPIs related to safety, service levels, productivity, and profitability.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational improvements while maintaining service quality.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with sales, production, safety, HR, and finance teams to align operations with business objectives .
• Support integration of newly acquired branches and standardization of operational processes.
• Serve as an escalation point for customer and operational issues requiring senior leadership involvement.
• Other duties asassigned

Qualifications & Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Management , Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of progressive operations experience in industrial distribution, manufacturing, or logistics .
• Proficiency in supply chain/inventory management in a B2B organization.
• Strong knowledge of safety regulations, DOT logistics , and distribution operations.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and drive operational improvements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly within the assigned region

Incentives

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• 401(k) with company match .
• Medical , dental, and vision coverage from day one.
• Life and disability insurance .
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• A supportive, team-oriented culture with opportunities for growth.

AWG Culture

A family-like atmosphere known for growth opportunities and a low turnover rate in the industry.

AWG is expanding and seeking exceptional talent to drive our progress forward. Don’t miss out on a promising future — join our team today!

American Welding & Gas is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.