Area Director

This role accelerates business value by driving our vision of becoming North America’s “Total Ice Solution.” The Area Director is responsible for leading and overseeing multi-state manufacturing locations, distribution centers, distribution, private fleet and managing financial performance while aligning with all company goals. We are a highly seasonal business and the ability to manage variable expenses is critical. The Area Director is accountable for delivering business results typically supporting an area of $50M - $100M+ in revenue.

The Area Director drives execution of company strategy and fosters a high-performance culture. As Area Director, this role champions continuous improvement, customer improvement and centricity, operational excellence and employee development.

This leader will demonstrate our “True North” attributes: voice of the customer, respect for the individual, no nonsense communication and utilization of facts. Leads, collaborates, demonstrates and utilizes the lean principles and methodologies tools to facilitate continuous process improvements and value creation for our customers, employees and shareholders. Actively uses lean tools (VSM, Kaizen, A3, etc.) to inform and assess business opportunities to drive continuous improvement. Lead and participate in Kaizen and value steam mapping activities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Identify and implement continuous improvement efforts.

• Promote a performance-driven and continuous-improvement environment for manufacturing operations.

• Foster innovation and creativity within the plant.

• Work with the RVP to provide insights on process improvement opportunities for safety, quality, delivery, production and cost reduction.

• Gain approval, develop plans and lead the implementation.

Lead and achieve pricing and sales outcomes

• Establish and maintain profitable relationships with customers by actively prospecting new accounts and maximizing sales potential with existing customers

• Partner with commercial and revenue management in the implementation of strategic sales, marketing, customer and pricing initiatives across the market

• Driving a Customer-centric environment. Implements and models customer service standards across multiple operations by ensuring unbeatable excellence in operating discipline; understanding unique needs of customer; ensuring enhanced customer experience for the Market; creating an environment for facility managers to set excellent customer service expectations that are aligned with customer needs and company goals.

Lead and achieve operational strategy outcomes

• Actively participate on short and long-term strategic planning. Proactively seek ways to improve efficiency, product quality and management of costs.

• Delivers effective execution for the Market by driving operational excellence; holding the management team accountable; initiating and leading company change efforts to maximize desired results; monitoring the effectiveness and implementation of continuous improvement programs

• Collaborate with Plant Managers, DC Manager and other direct reports to achieve strategic initiatives for each operating unit.

• Leads the implementation of strategic initiatives at multiple plants and DC’s, provide status highlighting progress and escalating issues as needed.

• Responsible for all manufacturing and logistics related activities within Market.

• Assess performance against Operating Plans & Standards for all plants, DC’s, and operations within Area. Ensure overall Area performance meets regional goals.

Participate in financial analysis and planning and track P&L metrics.

• Drives overall financial performance for the Area by preparing, analyzing, and reconciling financial reports; developing and maintaining annual Capital and expense budgets, building sales forecasts, monitoring operating and EBITDA budgets.

• Collaborate with the Regional Teams, Sales, Operational, and Financial Analysis teams for input.

• Review & approve invoices, expenses & other accounting reports as required by policy.

• Track budgets and progress towards monthly / annual sales & profit targets for the market. Conduct financial analysis to understand variances, deviations, and overall performance and calculate financial metrics. Perform root-cause analysis to understand drivers of financial performance. Document results and analysis.

• Discuss financial performance with Regional Vice President (RVP) and as needed define and execute plans for financial corrections.

Maintain and track KPIs.

• Determine KPI’s for the Area that achieve business objectives in cooperation with the RVP.

• Compile and track KPIs for assigned Area and analyze the metrics to understand drivers and root cause for performance and present metrics and trends to RVP and/or regional support partners.

• Lead initiatives to improve KPIs and track trends and progress. A key KPI initiative will be decreasing CPU (cost per unit) while maintaining quality and customer service.

Create a positive culture that supports employee development and building strong talent.

• Conduct staff meetings to communicate key initiatives and messages and ensure messages are cascaded down into the organization.

• Supervise, develop, and coach direct reports.

• Work with local management to support employees on their growth and development.

• Motivate employees to contribute to their full potential.

• Identify top talent and be a mentor and advisor for high performing employees. Outline succession plans to identify growth opportunities for top talent.

• Coordinate the hiring and training of direct reports, including headcount planning and performance management, and interview for key positions.

• Develop and sustain proactive employee relations across Area

• Partner with Human Resources to establish, drive and maintain all people’s practices and ensure 100% adherence to established performance management timelines.

Adheres to the Code of Business Ethics; values honesty and integrity above all else; expects Plant and Regional employees to also be committed to the highest ethical standards. Make and assume other duties and responsibilities required or assigned by management. Adhering to the Code of Business Ethics is essential. We value honesty and integrity above all else and we expect our employees to be committed to the highest ethical standards. Maintain high safety standards. Safety is personal for us all. Plant and Regional employees to also be committed to the highest ethical standards.

LEADSERSHIP PROFILE

• Enterprise leader with a track record of delivering results across complex, multi-site operations

• Strong financial and operational acumen with proven P&L ownership

• Change leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments

• Skilled at translating strategy into execution through teams

• Builds trust through clear communication, fact-based decisions, and a customer-first mindset

CONTACTS

• Internal: Key cross-functional stakeholders in Supply Chain, Engineering, Commercial, Human Resources, Routing/Logistics, Finance, Customer Care etc.

• External: Customers, 3PL distributors, co-packers (as applicable), vendors

**EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE **

• College degree preferred

• Minimum five (5) yrs. experience in ice business or related food production industry with an understanding of seasonal demand and overall manufacturing process.

• 7+ years of leadership/management experience in a large manufacturing environment with multi-site responsibility.

• 7+ years of leadership/management experience in a final mile, distribution environment.

• Quick change environment experience preferred. Ability to work in a 24/7 environment.

• Knowledge of manufacturing & distribution capabilities, process improvements, root cause analysis, and computer skills

• Project management or technical leadership experience.

• Results oriented with a high level of organization and time management skills

• Ability to motivate teams and develop and mentor resources. Able to work in a rapidly changing environment.

• Must have valid driver’s license & good driving record will be required use company vehicle at times.

**SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES **

• Has direct reports across Area: Plant Manager,DC Manager, Operations Analyst, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Conditions vary from office conditions to all areas inside and outside of plant and/or DC.Exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations, electrical hazards, pneumonia and heavy moving equipment.

• Heavy travel required (approximately 60%)

• The job requires working night and weekends, On-call availability is expected.

• Ability to lift 40 lbs.

• Requires excellent annual dexterity and the ability to think quickly under pressure

You should be proficient in:

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• Budgeting / Forecasting Experience
• LEAN