Branch Manager

Airgas, Inc.(NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases and related hard goods, such as welding supplies. Airgas is also the third-largest U.S. distributor of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants and ammonia products.

Airgas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Peter McCausland, founded the company in 1982. Through more than 320 acquisitions and internal growth, Airgas has built the largest national distribution network in the packaged gas industry. Most of its 10,000 employees work in 13 regional companies to serve a diversified customer base. Its integrated network of about 900 locations includes branches, cylinder fill plants, production facilities, specialty gas laboratories, and regional distribution centers. Airgas markets through multiple channels, including its own branches and outside sales force, a Strategic Accounts Team focused on large customers, distributors and resellers, telesales, catalog and eBusiness channels.

Airgas, the nation’s leading distributor of carbon dioxide (CO2), combines national manufacturing capabilities with over 800 distribution network locations.

The candidate chosen for this opportunity will be afforded the opportunity to work for a world class, $3B, publicly traded company, that has steadily grown its business over the past twenty two years. This $250M division is the largest national producer of dry ice, and generates the largest percentage of corporate profits. On a daily basis, the Branch Manager will have direct client and vendor contact, managing customer expectations and resolving customer concerns, ensuring deliveries are expedited in a timely and efficient manner, overseeing the scheduling of employees and inventory, managing the annual budget and payroll, developing new business, overseeing all safety related matters, as well as providing leadership to the team. The successful Branch Manager will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, functioning in an entrepreneurial environment. This role is ideal for a hands-on individual who enjoys working for an industry leader, making things happen in a highly visible role, and within a very profitable market. This position provides the opportunity to run your own business, without the personal financial risk.

Responsiblities:

-On a daily basis, the Branch Manager will set the delivery objectives and monitor route efficiencies; working with the regional sales team and customers to ensure high customer satisfaction.
-He/she will team with other Branch Managers to guarantee timely delivery of production requirements.
-This key individual will monitor maintenance vendors, making sure that the distribution equipment is properly maintained in order to meet customer requirements.
-The Branch Manager will implement processes of distribution to increase efficiencies.
-As the leader in the facility, the Manager will be responsible for maintaining a safe and clean working environment, in compliance with Federal, State and Corporate safety and environmental regulations.
-He/she will ensure that all subordinates are familiar with, trained on, and follow all procedures related to their jobs that can affect safety or the quality of products or services provided to customers.
-The Branch Manager will ensure that products meet or exceed corporate QC standards, using specified SOP testing methods.
-He/she will serve as a mentor; recruiting, hiring, training and disciplining employees according to corporate guidelines and policies.
-The Manager will fulfill all record keeping requirements related to these activities in a timely manner to include: performance evaluations, safety training documentation, documenting disciplinary actions and job related training. In addition, the Manager will ensure timely and accurate data entry, related to product sales, purchasing, and receiving of raw materials and supplies.
-The chosen individual will ensure that budgetary goals are met or exceeded.
-The Branch Manager will spearhead special projects and strategize with the Regional VP, as well as his peers in other facilities, regarding best business practices related to distribution and management.
-He/she must exhibit a take charge, “hands-on style” and a strong work ethic, with the capability to adapt to the rapidly changing environment.
REQUIREMENTS
*Must be capable of working within a team environment, as well as independently, with the ability to successfully spearhead independent decisions and implement logical solutions.
*BS or BA or equivalent experience, to include military experience is preferred
*Proven leadership and management skills are important to this role.
*Must have a working understanding of financial reports, budgetary methods and forecasting.
*A working knowledge of the Microsoft suite is important.
*Strong verbal and written skills are necessary
*Currently hold a Class B license or have the ability to obtain a Class B license.
*Willingness for minimal travel