Area Vice President

The Area Vice President (AVP) oversees the safety, profitability, and operational performance of the business at the Area level and has direct responsibility for managing the P&L. The AVP leads and motivates all associates within their organization. The AVP will lead, manage and develop the managers under their direct report to achieve the highest safety standards, profitability and operational performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBIITIES include the following. Other duties as assigned.

• Responsible for execution of Area Accident and Injury Reduction Plans consistent with Airgas Safety Council and Safecor guidelines. Ensure that responsibility for safety is a focus throughout the organization and that leaders are walking the talk.
• Responsible for field execution of strategies and plans to create near & long-term growth. Develop and implement local action plans to execute upon strategic opportunities related to growth markets (scratch starts), growth products and growth modes (microbulk).
• Deliver overall top line performance in line with established field sales goals and branch business plans.
• Deliver overall profitability performance in line with established Region budgets and field sales goals. Maintain operating expenses in line with gross profit, customer service, and growth plans.
• Execute the strategic pricing targets.
• Responsible for the effectiveness of the local field sales process including the quantity, quality, location and required training, local engagement of Regional sales specialists, the processes used for sales oversight and accountability including war rooms, and execution of fulfillment by the branch organizations.
• Manage branch assets to ensure Airgas will be the fastest to market.
• Responsible for execution of Core Strategy I and II activities throughout the Area. Drive sales and branch decision making close to the customer. Ensure stocks of gases and hardgoods at all locations are adequate to provide high fulfillment and excellent customer satisfaction. Ensure that District Managers and branch associates have the appropriate time and resources to focus on the details of our customers’ needs and requirements.
• Execute Area plans in support of Region plans to improve process excellence for customer satisfaction and operating efficiencies.
• Increase the use and improve the understanding of data now available in SAP that will be used to benchmark operational results across all Branch locations.
• Provide support for the transition of sweet spot customers to the Total Access program as well as target customers for any new TA initiatives that are developed.
• Provide clear and honest input and feedback to functional leaders on initiatives and programs and provide the leadership necessary to ensure proper execution.
• Conduct at least quarterly face-to-face staff meetings with direct reports to review results, problems, solutions, plans and strategies.
• Coordinate with HR to ensure appropriate focus on: recruitment/selection, retention/engagement, employee development, performance management, and succession planning.
• Create and support an environment fostering effective collaboration, teamwork, and communication throughout the Area.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Four-year college degree from an accredited institution in Business, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Sales Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Three to five years of sales or sales management experience in a B to B environment or comparable experience within the distribution industry.
• Experience managing a P&L.

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CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must have a valid Class B CDL with Hazmat and airbrake endorsements.

COMPANY BENEFITS
Airgas offers a competitive benefit package including medical, dental and vision plans. Benefits take effect after only 30 days.
In addition, Airgas also offers its employees a 401k Plan with company matching funds, Tuition Reimbursement & Scholarship Program.
Airgas provides paid time off benefits for employees, including vacation, sick, holidays and floating holidays.
Company paid uniforms are provided, as well as a safety boot and safety glasses allowance.