Area Operations Leader - Plant Ops, Safety & Lean

Linde Gas & Equipment; Hillside (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Linde Gas & Equipment Inc. Hillside, IL is seeking an Area Operations Manager to lead a team of Plant Operation Managers and oversee plant operations, distribution, safety, compliance and quality across the network.

The role emphasizes Lean & Six Sigma, continuous improvement, KPI reporting, and close coordination with sales, logistics, engineering, HR and finance to deliver operational plans and achieve annual goals. Travel up to 50% is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 5–10 years management experience required.
• Cylinder gas and Dry Ice operations experience required.
• Strong written & verbal communication skills required.
• Strong MS Office skills required.
• Ability to travel a minimum of 50%.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Plant Operation Managers and be directly responsible for Plant Operations, Distribution, Safety (Personal and Operational), Compliance, and Quality.
• Oversee all production and distribution activities for plants, including all distribution for internal shuttles throughout the markets.
• Responsible for safety and compliance with internal standards and applicable regulations.
• Manage Productivity, Lean & Six Sigma initiatives; work with region Productivity management; develop continuous improvement projects with retail and plant operations teams.
• Create and manage operational plans and goals, monitor performance against goals, and develop yearly plant management goals.
• Utilize Best Practices and facilitate safety trend reporting, KPI reporting, and regional operational reporting.
• Coordinate with sales, ensure communication plans, monitor trends, develop procedures, and manage KPI reporting.
• Staff, train, coach, conduct performance reviews and corrective actions; ensure compliance and collaboration across operations, logistics, engineering, HR and finance.]
• Ensure cross-functional alignment and drive efficiency improvements across the network.

Skills

Leadership experience

Travel willingness

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

5-10 years management experience

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Linde Gas & Equipment Inc. Hillside, IL is seeking an Area Operations Manager to lead a team of Plant Operation Managers and oversee plant operations, distribution, safety, compliance and quality across the network.

The role emphasizes Lean & Six Sigma, continuous improvement, KPI reporting, and close coordination with sales, logistics, engineering, HR and finance to deliver operational plans and achieve annual goals. Travel up to 50% is required.