Area Operations Manager

Quikrete; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Quikrete Materials is seeking an Area Operations Manager to lead terminal operations with a focus on safety, efficiency, and cost control. This role requires coordinating across multiple locations, managing budgets, and driving continuous improvement in logistics and materials handling.

You will oversee dispatch, capital projects, and compliance with DOT regulations while leading a team of Terminal Managers and collaborating with leadership to meet strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Safety program implementation and enforcement.
• Experience managing multiple locations across states.
• Develop and manage operating budgets per location.
• Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance in industrial environments.
• Project management for capital projects planning and execution.
• Knowledge of supply chain logistics for trucks, rail cars, and barges.
• Ability to lead employees at multiple locations with servant leadership.
• Experience with material handling, bulk powders, and silo storage.
• Willingness to travel regularly.
• Ability to work in high pressure environments with minimal supervision.
• 5 years experience in cement industry or related field.

Responsibilities

• Champion safety culture and lead safety meetings and personnel safety initiatives.
• Ensure terminal operations execute on schedule, meet quality standards, and align with forecasted expenses.
• Lead cost optimization by directing studies, tests, and modifications to lower costs without compromising quality or equipment integrity.
• Foster a positive work environment emphasizing safety, fair compensation, and employee development.
• Support community involvement and uphold a positive corporate image.
• Oversee capital investments within budget, scope, and timeline to enhance terminal efficiency.
• Lead strategic development and execution of Logistics sector plans in line with business and marketing goals.
• Manage the business unit’s budget, capex, and full P&L accountability.
• Establish and enforce safety and environmental policies compliant with DOT and regulations.
• Consult with Terminal Managers to analyze shipping data and improve route efficiency.
• Leverage Transportation Management System (TMS) for outbound shipping optimization and data integrity.
• Develop and monitor KPIs and operational metrics.
• Oversee dispatch operations to ensure terminal efficiency and customer service levels.
• Lead recruiting, hiring, training, and performance management of Terminal Managers.
• Collaborate with leadership across departments to drive continuous improvement.

Job description

Why Join Our Team?

At Quikrete Materials, we foster a positive and collaborative work environment where teamwork and cooperation are at the forefront. The Area Operations Manager position requires providing customers with product knowledge and pricing information for a variety of project levels. Position requires a candidate to have a pleasant and accommodating attitude, while being proactive with situations that are constantly changing.

What We Offer

• Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of achieving your professional goals without compromising your personal life.
• Career Growth: Join an industry leader renowned for world-class design, manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution. This is an opportunity to propel your career forward.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We provide a comprehensive benefits package with customizable options that meet your needs and those of your family.

Terminal Operations Leadership Responsibilities

• Safety Culture: Champion safe work practices by participating in safety meetings and engaging with staff on individual safety concerns and initiatives.
• Operational Execution: Ensure terminal operations are executed according to schedule, quality standards, and forecasted expenses to meet sales demands—without compromising long-term terminal performance.
• Cost Optimization: Contribute to reducing throughput costs by leading studies, tests, and implementing technical or organizational modifications that lower fixed and variable costs without sacrificing quality or equipment integrity.
• Work Environment & Employee Engagement: Foster a positive work environment that prioritizes safety, fair compensation, and professional growth through training, development, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Community & Corporate Relations: Actively support and promote community involvement and uphold a positive corporate image.
• Capital Investment: Recommend and oversee implementation of capital investments within budget, scope, and time constraints to ensure efficient terminal operations.
• Strategic Business Development: Lead the development and execution of strategies in alignment with business and marketing plans for the Logistics function.
• Financial Oversight: Responsible for managing the business unit’s budget, capital expenditures, and full P&L accountability.
• Policy & Regulatory Compliance: Establish and enforce safety and environmental policies in full compliance with DOT and regulatory requirements.
• Shipping & Route Optimization: Consult with Terminal Managers to analyze shipping data and recommend operational changes to improve route efficiency.
• Technology Optimization (TMS): Leverage the company’s Transportation Management System (TMS) to optimize outbound shipping, ensure system/data integrity, and support ongoing system development for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Performance Metrics: Develop, implement, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics.
• Dispatch Efficiency: Oversee dispatch operations to ensure terminal efficiency and meet customer service expectations.
• Talent Management: Lead the recruiting, hiring, training, and performance management of all Terminal Managers.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with leadership and other departments to design and implement policies, procedures, and objectives that drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

About You

• Knowledge of workplaces safety, including implementing and executing safety programs and policies.
• Managing multiple locations across multiple states.
• Develop and manage operating budgets for each location
• Has knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance in industrial environments.
• Project management experience and capital projects planning and execution.
• Knowledge of supply chain logistic for truck, rail cars, and barges.
• Ability to lead employees at multiple locations in a positive manner with servant leadership principles.
• Experience with material handling, bulk powders, and silo storage
• Capable of travelling on a regular basis.
• Able to work in a high pressure environment without direct supervision.
• 5 years experience in cement industry or related field