Area Operations Manager

Quikrete; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Quikrete Materials is seeking an Area Operations Manager to oversee terminal operations, safety, and logistics across multiple sites. The role focuses on optimizing throughput, budgets, and performance while leading Terminal Managers and cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates will have cement industry experience, multi-site leadership, and strong project management skills. Travel is expected to manage operations across states and ensure compliance with safety and environmental policies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of workplace safety programs and policies.
• Managing multiple locations across states.
• Develop and manage operating budgets for locations.
• Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance in industrial environments.
• Project management experience and capital projects planning.
• 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 and ability to travel regularly.
• Able to work under high pressure with minimal supervision.
• 5 years of cement industry or related field experience.

Responsibilities

• Champion safety culture by participating in safety meetings and addressing safety concerns.
• Ensure terminal operations are executed on schedule, with quality and forecasted expenses to meet demand.
• Lead cost-optimization efforts by directing studies, tests, and modifications to reduce costs without sacrificing quality or equipment integrity.
• Foster a positive work environment prioritizing safety, fair compensation, and employee engagement through training and development.
• Promote community involvement and uphold a positive corporate image.
• Recommend and oversee capital investments within budget, scope, and time constraints.
• Lead development and execution of logistics strategies aligned with business and marketing plans.
• Manage the terminal business unit’s budget, capital expenditures, and full P&L accountability.
• Establish and enforce safety and environmental policies in compliance with DOT/regulatory requirements.
• Consult with Terminal Managers to analyze shipping data and improve route efficiency.
• Leverage Transportation Management System (TMS) for outbound shipping optimization and system improvements.
• Develop and monitor KPIs and other operational metrics.
• Oversee dispatch operations to maintain terminal efficiency and customer service.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, training, and performance management of Terminal Managers.
• Collaborate with leadership and other departments to drive continuous improvement policy implementation.

Skills

Safety awareness

Multi-site management

Budget management

Project management

Supply chain logistics

Leadership

Travel readiness

High-pressure environment

Cement industry experience

TMS knowledge

Tools

Transportation Management System (TMS)

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