Distribution Director
Linde Gas & Equipment Inc., East Chicago, IN, United States
Job Overview
The Distribution Director is accountable for leading distribution, fleet operations, and fleet maintenance across one of Linde Gases US (LGUS) business regions. This position ensures exceptional performance in safety, staffing, equipment utilization, maintenance effectiveness, operational efficiency, and cost management. The Director will guide, coach, and support multiple facilities to achieve regional goals in safety, productivity, customer service, and financial performance.
This role oversees operational leadership teams, drives strategic initiatives, and leads continuous improvement efforts across distribution, logistics, and fleet functions. This position reports directly to the Region Operations Director.
Key Responsibilities Leadership & Operational Management
Lead a regional distribution organization of 200+ employees, including distribution managers, superintendents, supervisors, mechanics, and professional drivers.
Oversee and manage a regional distribution budget, ensuring financial alignment with business plans.
Drive execution of SMPs/SOPs, performance standards, and operational best practices across all facilities.
Identify and implement resource needs, including supervisors, drivers, and mechanics to support business requirements.
Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
Own regional execution of safety and compliance initiatives.
Conduct and oversee site distribution safety assessments, audits, and compliance reviews.
Participate in accident investigations and lead root cause analysis (RCA) activities.
Champion adoption of new safety and efficiency technologies (e.g., OBC systems, trailer tracking, vehicle safety programs, backing cameras).
Partner with Customer Service organization to review customer tank installations and ensure safe driver access.
Fleet Operations & Maintenance
Ensure effective fleet maintenance programs that meet DOT and company standards.
Analyze fleet performance and maintenance activities to reduce downtime and improve equipment utilization.
Represent the region in national fleet initiatives, including idea generation, prioritization, and evaluation.
Collaborate with procurement and central Distribution teams on vendor management, parts procurement, and service contracts.
Performance Improvement & Analytics
Monitor and optimize equipment allocation, driver performance, and operational efficiency.
Review trip-level safety and efficiency data with local teams and lead improvement action plans.
Provide monthly reporting to regional leadership on initiatives, KPIs, and operational results.
Identify productivity opportunities and recommend cost savings within the distribution P&L.
Support development of technician training standards and certification programs.
Talent Development & Staffing
Lead recruitment efforts for professional drivers and maintenance technicians.
Drive training and development strategies for distribution leaders, technicians, and drivers.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and high performance.
Labor Relations
Collaborate with Corporate Labor Relations and HR teams during contract negotiations and ongoing labor-management interactions.
Qualifications Experience & Education Requirements Required
Bachelor's degree in supply chain, logistics, business, operations, engineering, OR 10+yrs related transportation industry experience
Minimum 5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, or fleet management.
5+ years of experience overseeing tractor-trailer preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
5+ years of experience managing, sourcing, and maintaining critical spare parts inventories.
5+ years of people leadership experience, including supervisors, mechanics, and professional drivers.
Strong knowledge of DOT regulations and HAZMAT transportation requirements.
Previous liquid bulk tanker transportation experience a plus.
Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and drive performance across multiple sites.
Advanced analytical and critical-thinking skills.
Proficiency with technology platforms supporting driver safety, compliance, fleet maintenance, and operational efficiency.
Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously with strong organizational skills.
Ability to champion technology advancement to improve safety and efficiency.
Willingness to travel 20%-40% overnight
About Linde Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2025 sales of $34 billion. We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain and protect our planet.
Culture At Linde, we strive to create a work environment that treats all employees with respect, supports new thoughts and ideas, encourages growth and development, celebrates our differences, and embraces inclusion. Linde is committed to remaining an employer of choice for the diverse, ever-increasing pool of global talent.
For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.com.
Benefits Linde Gases US offers competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package. Enjoy access to health, dental, disability, and life insurance, paid holidays and vacation, 401(k) matching, pension benefits, an employee discount program, and opportunities for educational and professional growth. Additional compensation may vary depending on the position and organizational level. Build your future with us while making an impact every day!
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other reason prohibited by applicable law.
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This role oversees operational leadership teams, drives strategic initiatives, and leads continuous improvement efforts across distribution, logistics, and fleet functions. This position reports directly to the Region Operations Director.
Key Responsibilities Leadership & Operational Management
Lead a regional distribution organization of 200+ employees, including distribution managers, superintendents, supervisors, mechanics, and professional drivers.
Oversee and manage a regional distribution budget, ensuring financial alignment with business plans.
Drive execution of SMPs/SOPs, performance standards, and operational best practices across all facilities.
Identify and implement resource needs, including supervisors, drivers, and mechanics to support business requirements.
Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
Own regional execution of safety and compliance initiatives.
Conduct and oversee site distribution safety assessments, audits, and compliance reviews.
Participate in accident investigations and lead root cause analysis (RCA) activities.
Champion adoption of new safety and efficiency technologies (e.g., OBC systems, trailer tracking, vehicle safety programs, backing cameras).
Partner with Customer Service organization to review customer tank installations and ensure safe driver access.
Fleet Operations & Maintenance
Ensure effective fleet maintenance programs that meet DOT and company standards.
Analyze fleet performance and maintenance activities to reduce downtime and improve equipment utilization.
Represent the region in national fleet initiatives, including idea generation, prioritization, and evaluation.
Collaborate with procurement and central Distribution teams on vendor management, parts procurement, and service contracts.
Performance Improvement & Analytics
Monitor and optimize equipment allocation, driver performance, and operational efficiency.
Review trip-level safety and efficiency data with local teams and lead improvement action plans.
Provide monthly reporting to regional leadership on initiatives, KPIs, and operational results.
Identify productivity opportunities and recommend cost savings within the distribution P&L.
Support development of technician training standards and certification programs.
Talent Development & Staffing
Lead recruitment efforts for professional drivers and maintenance technicians.
Drive training and development strategies for distribution leaders, technicians, and drivers.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and high performance.
Labor Relations
Collaborate with Corporate Labor Relations and HR teams during contract negotiations and ongoing labor-management interactions.
Qualifications Experience & Education Requirements Required
Bachelor's degree in supply chain, logistics, business, operations, engineering, OR 10+yrs related transportation industry experience
Minimum 5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, or fleet management.
5+ years of experience overseeing tractor-trailer preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
5+ years of experience managing, sourcing, and maintaining critical spare parts inventories.
5+ years of people leadership experience, including supervisors, mechanics, and professional drivers.
Strong knowledge of DOT regulations and HAZMAT transportation requirements.
Previous liquid bulk tanker transportation experience a plus.
Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and drive performance across multiple sites.
Advanced analytical and critical-thinking skills.
Proficiency with technology platforms supporting driver safety, compliance, fleet maintenance, and operational efficiency.
Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously with strong organizational skills.
Ability to champion technology advancement to improve safety and efficiency.
Willingness to travel 20%-40% overnight
About Linde Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2025 sales of $34 billion. We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain and protect our planet.
Culture At Linde, we strive to create a work environment that treats all employees with respect, supports new thoughts and ideas, encourages growth and development, celebrates our differences, and embraces inclusion. Linde is committed to remaining an employer of choice for the diverse, ever-increasing pool of global talent.
For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.com.
Benefits Linde Gases US offers competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package. Enjoy access to health, dental, disability, and life insurance, paid holidays and vacation, 401(k) matching, pension benefits, an employee discount program, and opportunities for educational and professional growth. Additional compensation may vary depending on the position and organizational level. Build your future with us while making an impact every day!
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other reason prohibited by applicable law.
#LI-PL1
#J-18808-Ljbffr