Operations Manager

Univar Solutions USA Inc; City of North Tonawanda (NY); On-site; USD 98,200 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Vision, Dental Coverage

Retirement Plan and Time Off Programs

Union benefits vary by CBA

Job summary

Univar Solutions USA Inc is seeking an Operations Manager to direct day‑to‑day branch operations, supervise a team of Yard Specialists and Coordinators, and manage the department budget. You will collaborate with the Transportation Branch Manager to service customers and ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

The role emphasizes leadership, process improvements, and cost control, with heavy focus on safety programs and incident investigations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required with a Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• 5-7 years of operational experience in a branch/terminal environment.
• Experience with governmental regulations (OSHA, EPA, RCRA, DOT) preferred or ability to obtain.
• Working knowledge of hazardous chemicals and chemical distribution facility operations.
• Experience with ERP systems; SAP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the branch including supervision of Yard Specialists and Operations Coordinators.
• Direct safety, environmental compliance, and process improvement initiatives.
• Manage department budget and operating plan; ensure cost-effective customer service.
• Lead recruiting, training, and performance management of staff.
• Prepare and present branch reviews to leadership and participate in district meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Verbal & written communication

Safety compliance

Budget & financial planning

ERP systems

SAP

HazMat/Hazwoper knowledge

Supervisory leadership

Decision making

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

ERP systems

SAP

Job description

A Place Where People Matter.

Start your career journey with Univar Solutions! Here you can make an impact on the world around you and accelerate your career in areas that energize and excite you.

Operations Manager

Under the general direction of the District Operations Manager, the Operations Manager (OM) is responsible for the efficient day‑to‑day operations of the department, including directing a team of Yard Specialists and Operations Coordinators while managing the department's annual budget and operating plan. Works closely with the Transportation Branch Manager to service customers.

What You’ll Do:

Environmental, Health & Safety

• Manages the daily safe, efficient, legal and economical operations associated with terminals and customer interactions.
• Facilitates compliance to corporate health, safety, and environmental affairs policies, including completion of all required training, documentation and record keeping.
• Supports sales efforts consistent with corporate and regulatory compliance, health, safety and environmental affairs standards.
• Implements and manages applicable health and safety program.
• Conducts timely and detailed incident investigations and communicates root causes and recommends corrective and preventive measures to the District Operations Manager.
• Regularly briefs upper management on performance, including cost and productivity opportunities and issues, and branch or industry related trends.

Staff Supervision

• Maintains a supervisory presence throughout the branch; ensures daily pre‑shift meetings are held, and regularly communicates expectations to employees.
• Manages day‑to‑day work activities to ensure operational goals and objectives are met.
• Ensures all employees have the required tools and training on matters related to safety, operation standards and department goals.
• Creates a positive work environment and fosters employee ownership of branch operations and performance.
• Oversees the completion of drug testing and medical surveillance as required.
• Leads interviewing, hiring, training and evaluating personnel.

Branch Administration

• Develops email communications and correspondence with internal and external customers.
• Regularly participates in District LOB Business Meetings.
• Prepares and presents comprehensive Branch Reviews to Leadership.

Sales Support/Customer Service

• Manages budget and operating plan to achieve branch goals.
• Responsible for meeting customer requirements and fulfilling orders in a cost effective manner using appropriate risk management and Standard Operating Procedures.

Quality Assurance

• Ensures company quality processes are adhered to at the local level.
• Partners with appropriate departments, internal and terminals, to resolve product quality issues in an efficient and timely manner.

Inventory Management

• Directs inventory management process; researches and resolves discrepancies with appropriate personnel as needed.

Facility Maintenance

• Ensures proper maintenance, upkeep and housekeeping of owned/leased facilities.
• Resolves facility maintenance issues with appropriate personnel and reports safety concerns.
• Maintains close security and control over physical operations.

Process Improvement

• Implements initiatives to improve operations.
• Proactively identifies and leads process improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Need:

• High School Diploma/GED required
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience
• 5-7 years experience in operations
• Experience with governmental requirements related to the chemical industry; e.g., OSHA, EPA, RCRA, DOT, etc. preferred or demonstrated ability to attain such knowledge
• Knowledge of chemical distribution facility operation preferred
• Working knowledge of hazardous chemicals preferred
• Experience working in ERP systems, SAP preferred
• Supervisory Leadership; proven ability to communicate with, support, and motivate employees to achieve operational objectives
• Strong verbal /written communication skills
• Able to multi‑task and prioritize effectively in a team environment
• Analytical; ability to track, record and report department metrics
• Process improvement projects
• High level of decision‑making ability; balancing customers' needs and company objectives
• Strong organization skills with the ability to handle diverse and significant workload
• HazMat certification or Hazwoper Certification
• Ability to lead in emergency response situations
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; Excel and Word
• Basic understanding of ERP systems, SAP preferred

Where You’ll Work:

Location: 3709 River Rd. Tonawanda, NY 14150-6507

Pay & Benefits:

• The salary range for this position is $98,200 - $120,000 annually.
• The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location.
• Available employee benefits include health, vision, dental coverage, along with industry‑leading retirement and time off programs; union benefits vary in accordance with the respective CBA.

What You Can Expect:

• Strong work/life flexibility
• To be surrounded by an inclusive team who is collaborative and committed to the achievement of the company
• To be rewarded for your contributions with a targeted annual company bonus (if applicable to your role) and annual salary reviews; union benefits vary in accordance with the respective CBA
• Competitive pay and benefits

Equal Opportunity Employer

Univar Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the hiring process, please contact us at [e-mail].