Area Operations Manager

Freight Handlers; North Haven (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Freight Handlers is seeking an Area Operations Manager to lead operations across multiple customer locations. You will coach Site Managers, ensure safety and service standards, and drive continuous improvement. The role requires travel between sites and collaboration with regional leadership.

The ideal candidate has proven multi-site leadership experience, strong people development skills, and the ability to drive performance across safety, productivity, and financial targets.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Site Manager or equivalent leadership role.
• Experience managing operational performance, safety, staffing, and customer relationships.
• Experience coaching and leading other leaders.
• Multi-site leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct leadership and accountability to Site Managers at multiple locations.
• Travel frequently between locations to ensure execution.
• Collaborate with Site Managers to meet safety, staffing, quality, productivity, and financial goals.
• Conduct site visits, reviews, safety inspections, and business assessments.
• Develop action plans to address performance gaps with Site Managers.
• Provide regular operational updates to regional leadership.
• Support budgeting, labor management, payroll oversight, and financial monitoring.
• Promote safety culture and compliance with laws.

Skills

Leadership

People development

Influence

Financial acumen

Communication

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

ORGANIZATIONAL IMPERATIVE:

The Area Operations Manager is responsible for leading operations across multiple assigned customer locations by providing direct leadership to the Site Managers and ensuring consistent execution of operational, safety, staffing, associate relations, and customer service standards. This role serves as the primary operational leader for the assigned locations and connects site-level execution with regional leadership direction.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

We will know the Area Operations Manager is successful when: Assigned locations consistently meet or exceed safety, productivity, quality, and customer service expectations. There is year over year improvement in retention and turnover for direct and subordinate teams. The DART rate and workers compensation costs for assigned locations meet or improve against established goals. Assigned locations are staffed at 95% of the Staffing Target throughout the year. This is reported through the management staffing report. Financial targets, including Contribution Margin and Net Operating Income goals established by company leadership, are met or exceeded for the assigned locations. Site Managers demonstrate growth through regular coaching, clear accountability, and effective performance management. Operational audits, safety inspections, and compliance reviews yield satisfactory results. There is a defined succession plan within subordinate teams. Company initiatives and process improvements are implemented consistently across assigned locations.

BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Leads operations at assigned locations using the company Purpose, Vision, and Values as a foundation for effective decision making. Demonstrates strong leadership presence and builds credibility across multiple customer locations. Effectively organizes, prioritizes, and manages time while balancing the needs of two operations. Holds self and others accountable for high-quality, timely, and effective results. Provides consistent coaching and feedback to Site Managers and other operational leaders. Communicates effectively with associates, management, customers, vendors, and support partners. Uses sound judgment, mature problem-solving skills, and operational data to identify and address performance gaps. Demonstrates safety consciousness and sets the tone for safe, productive, and respectful work environments. Develops leaders by providing opportunities to learn new skills and prepare for future responsibilities. Maintains a customer-focused mindset while protecting FHI standards and business interests.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides direct leadership, coaching, and accountability to the Site Managers at multiple assigned customer locations.
• Travels regularly between assigned customer locations to maintain leadership visibility and ensure consistent operational execution.
• Partners with Site Managers to achieve safety, staffing, quality, productivity, associate relations, and financial goals.
• Conducts regular site visits, operational reviews, safety inspections, and business assessments.
• Reviews operational KPIs and works with Site Managers to develop and execute action plans for performance gaps.
• Communicates with customer leadership and serves as an escalation point for operational concerns at assigned locations.
• Partners with Talent Acquisition to maintain an adequate candidate pipeline and appropriate staffing levels.
• Supports Site Managers with hiring, development, promotions, corrective action, and terminations of associates.
• Ensures consistent compliance with company policies, procedures, audit requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Promotes a strong safety culture through routine inspections, coaching, reporting, and corrective action.
• Identifies and develops high‑potential leaders and maintains succession plans for assigned locations.
• Collaborates with the Regional Operations Manager and support departments to implement company initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Supports budgeting, labor management, payroll oversight, and financial performance monitoring for assigned locations.
• Provides regular operational updates, risks, and recommendations to regional leadership.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time at the discretion of management.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel frequently between assigned customer locations.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, pull, stretch, twist, and lift to operate safely within warehouse environments.
• Capable of working in varying hot and cold temperature environments.
• Ability to work varying hours to meet operational needs.
• Use of standard office equipment in typical office environment/conditions.
• Ability to use close and distance vision to focus on a computer screen for the majority of the workday.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

We believe that skills and experience are what truly matter. While education can be a valuable asset, it is not a strict requirement for success in this role.

Experience:

Previous experience as a Site Manager or in an equivalent operational leadership role.

Demonstrated success managing operational performance, safety, staffing, and customer relationships in a warehouse, logistics, distribution, or supply chain environment.

Experience coaching, developing, and leading other leaders.

Multi‑site leadership experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

Strong leadership and people development skills.

Ability to influence outcomes and drive accountability across multiple locations.

Strong operational and financial business acumen.

Excellent written and verbal communication and relationship‑building skills.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities.

Computer and Microsoft Office proficiency.

Must have a valid driver's license, the ability to travel regular, and pass a background check.

Additional Location:

North Haven, CT

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over‑achievers, you'll enjoyyourcareerwithus!Getmorethanajob-getacareer!Buildafoundationforyourfuture whileyougain experienceandcreateconnections. AtFHIweprideourselvesonhelping associatesreachtheirfullpotentialbyprovidingtrainingandonthejobexperiencesthatexciteanddrivesuccess.