Regional Maintenance %Distribution Manager

Position Overview

The Regional Maintenance & Distribution Manager will oversee fleet operations, maintenance, and distribution activities for one of Linde Gases U.S. (LGUS) regions. This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant management of commercial vehicles and shop operations, while driving cost savings, operational improvements, and team development. The manager will lead maintenance technicians, shop supervisors, and drivers, guiding regional facilities to achieve fleet reliability and performance while meeting Linde’s safety, efficiency, and financial goals.

This position reports to the Region Operations Director.

This is a single contributor role with no direct reports. The successful candidate must demonstrate a proven ability to influence and lead cross‑functional teams, drive operational improvements, and implement change through collaboration and strategic partnerships, rather than through direct line authority.

• Ensure compliance with preventative and corrective maintenance programs for all commercial vehicles in accordance with DOT and company standards.
• Oversee daily operations of regional maintenance shops, ensuring repairs and inspections meet safety and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain inventory of critical spare parts for tractors, trailers, and shop equipment.
• Manage relationships with OEM dealerships, vendors, and service providers for warranty claims and outsourced repairs.
• Expedite repairs to minimize downtime and maximize fleet availability.
• Monitor fleet performance metrics (downtime, maintenance costs, utilization) and implement improvement plans.
• Train and develop maintenance teams on safety, compliance, and technical skills.
• Ensure accurate documentation of all maintenance activities in the CMMS system.

• Drive regional safety goals for fleet and distribution operations.
• Collaborate with logistics and facility managers to optimize driver staffing, scheduling, and equipment utilization.
• Review trip efficiency and implement action plans to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Support recruiting efforts for drivers and mechanics; assist in onboarding and training programs.
• Champion technology adoption for fleet safety and efficiency (e.g., telematics, trailer tracking, onboard cameras).
• Lead regional initiatives for cost savings, process improvements, and compliance audits.
• Provide monthly reporting on KPIs, projects, and operational performance.

• Ensure strict adherence to DOT regulations, company safety policies, and environmental standards.
• Conduct safety assessments and audits for fleet and shop operations.
• Investigate accidents and lead root cause analysis (RCA) activities.
• Maintain compliance with labor agreements and participate in negotiations as needed.

• 10+ years of experience in fleet management or transportation maintenance operations.
• 5+ years managing commercial vehicle maintenance in a shop environment.
• Proven ability to manage teams of supervisors, mechanics, and drivers.
• Strong knowledge of DOT compliance, preventative maintenance programs, and fleet optimization strategies.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in fleet management systems and technology tools.
• Ability to travel overnight 30–50%.
• Primary work location:
  Ecorse, MI;
  Laporte, IN; or East Chicago, IN (not remote).

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Experience managing a large‑scale commercial vehicle fleet in a transportation or distribution environment, including oversight of shop operations, preventative maintenance programs, and DOT compliance.
• Proven track record of implementing fleet optimization strategies leveraging technology (telematics, CMMS, safety systems) to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Background in managing unionized work forces and participating in labor negotiations.
• Experience with budgeting and cost control for fleet maintenance and distribution operations.
• Professional certifications such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) or NAFA Certified Automotive…