Regional Vice President of Operations - North

American Welding and Gas Inc is seeking a bold, strategic, and results-driven Regional Vice President of Operations to take charge of our thriving Midwest markets.

We’re looking for a powerhouse leader who knows how to drive operational excellence, inspire high-performing teams, and accelerate growth across multiple locations.

Position Summary

The Regional Vice President of Operations is responsible for the overall operational leadership, performance, and safety of all American Welding & Gas locations within an assigned geographic region. This role has full accountability for operational execution, safety compliance, customer service, financial performance, and talent development across branches, plants, fill facilities, and distribution operations. The RVP Operations plays a critical role in executing AWG’s operating strategy, driving consistency and continuous improvement, and supporting both organic growth and acquisition integration while maintaining AWG’s entrepreneurial culture and high safety standards.   

Regional Operational Leadership 

• Provide leadership oversight for branch, bulk, distribution, and plant operations within the assigned region. 

• Ensure consistent execution of company policies, safety standards, and operational best practices. 

• Develop and implement regional operational strategies aligned with corporate objectives. 

• Monitor operational performance metrics and drive accountability at all levels. 

• Frequent travel throughout the assigned region is required. 

Financial & P&L Accountability 

• Maintain full operational P&L oversight for the region. 

• Develop and manage regional budgets and expense controls. 

• Analyze KPIs including cost control, asset utilization, inventory performance, and service metrics. 

• Implement corrective actions to address performance gaps and improve profitability. 

Safety & Compliance Oversight 

• Champion AWG’s safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, NFPA, FDA (as applicable), and company policies. 

• Oversee safety audits, regulatory inspections, and corrective action plans. 

• Drive continuous improvement in incident reduction and risk mitigation. 

Leadership & Talent Development 

• Lead and develop Branch Managers, Plant Managers, and regional operational leaders. 

• Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives. 

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational discipline. 

• Ensure effective onboarding and training of operational personnel. 

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement 

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service reliability, and cost structure. 

• Standardize processes and best practices across the region. 

• Support system implementations, automation initiatives, and operational integrations. 

• Lead operational planning for expansion, acquisitions, and facility improvements. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner with Regional Sales leadership to align operational capabilities with sales commitments. 

• Collaborate with Finance to maintain cost discipline and margin integrity. 

• Support strategic initiatives and corporate planning efforts. 

Qualifications 

Experience 

• 12 years of progressive operational leadership experience. 

• 5 years in a senior regional or multi-site operational leadership role. 

• Experience in industrial gases, welding supply, industrial distribution, manufacturing, or regulated environments strongly preferred. 

Leadership & Business Acumen 

• Proven ability to lead geographically dispersed teams. 

• Strong financial acumen with P&L management experience. 

• Demonstrated success driving operational efficiency and measurable performance improvements. 

Communication & Executive Presence 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. 

• Strong decision-making and strategic planning capabilities. 

Technical & Regulatory Knowledge 

• Working knowledge of DOT, OSHA, and industry compliance requirements. 

• Understanding of inventory management, fleet operations, and plant performance metrics. 

• Proficiency in operational reporting systems and ERP platforms. 

Preferred Skills 

• Experience leading large-scale operational integrations or acquisitions. 

• Background in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies. 

• Experience managing complex logistics and distribution networks. 

• Strong data-driven operational management expertise. 

Incentives 

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. 

401(k) with company match. 

Medical, dental, and vision coverage from day one. 

Life and disability insurance. 

Generous paid time off and paid holidays. 

A supportive, team-oriented culture with opportunities for growth. 

AWG Culture 

A family-like atmosphere known for growth opportunities and a low turnover rate in the industry. 

AWG is expanding and seeking exceptional talent to drive our progress forward. Don’t miss out on a promising future — join our team today! 

American Welding & Gas (AWG) is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial gases as well as a provider of all your welding supply needs. We are a family and team member owned company that is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our company provides industrial, medical, and specialty gases as well as food and beverage gases across the United States, from Montana to Pennsylvania and down through Texas and Florida. With a team of over 800 employees, over 100 retail locations, and 22 fill plants, we pride ourselves in our customer service, expertise, assets, and resources that allow us to reach a large and diversified customer base of the highest quality. 

**American Welding & Gas is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability