Eastern Region Operations Director: Growth & Safety

AWG - American Welding and Gas; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

Generous PTO and holidays

Growth opportunities

Job summary

American Welding & Gas Inc is seeking an Area Operations Director to oversee operations across multiple branches in the Eastern Markets (Cincinnati, OH / Louisville and Lexington, KY). You will lead operational performance, safety, and financial outcomes, driving improvements across distribution, logistics, and customer service.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of progressive operations experience in industrial distribution or manufacturing, with strong leadership and budget management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Management, Business, or 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.

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-first culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, EPA, FDA requirements.
• Lead safety initiatives, audits, incident investigations, and corrective action plans.
• Oversee packaged/bulk gas distribution, 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 and frontline supervisors.
• Support recruiting, training, performance management, and succession planning.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Budget management

Safety regulations

DOT logistics

Inventory management

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Management/Business

Job description

American Welding & Gas Inc is seeking an Area Operations Director to oversee operations across multiple branches in the Eastern Markets (Cincinnati, OH / Louisville and Lexington, KY). You will lead operational performance, safety, and financial outcomes, driving improvements across distribution, logistics, and customer service.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of progressive operations experience in industrial distribution or manufacturing, with strong leadership and budget management skills.