Director of Distribution

Director of Distribution

Northeast Locations, United States | req
29535

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.

• Lead a regional distribution team of over 200 employees including managers, supervisors, mechanics, and drivers.
• Manage the regional distribution budget ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Drive execution of standard operating procedures, performance standards, and best practices across all sites.
• Identify and fulfill resource needs such as supervisors, drivers, and mechanics to meet business demands.
• Own regional safety and compliance initiatives, conducting safety assessments, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Lead accident investigations and root cause analysis to improve safety outcomes.
• Champion adoption of new safety and efficiency technologies including onboard computers, trailer tracking, and vehicle safety programs.
• Partner with Customer Service to ensure safe driver access at customer tank installations.
• Oversee fleet maintenance programs to meet regulatory and company standards, reducing downtime and improving utilization.
• Represent the region in national fleet initiatives, contributing ideas and evaluating priorities.
• Collaborate with procurement and distribution teams on vendor management, parts procurement, and service contracts.
• Monitor and optimize equipment allocation, driver performance, and operational efficiency through data analysis.
• Lead local teams in reviewing safety and efficiency data and implementing improvement plans.
• Provide monthly operational reports and KPI updates to regional leadership.
• Identify productivity improvements and recommend cost‑saving measures within the distribution profit and loss.
• Support development and certification of technician training programs.
• Lead recruitment and training strategies for drivers, technicians, and distribution leaders.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and high performance throughout the region.
• Collaborate with Corporate Labor Relations and Human Resources during contract negotiations and labor‑management relations.

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Operations, Engineering or have 10+ years of related transportation industry experience.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, or fleet management.
• Have over five years managing tractor‑trailer maintenance programs, spare parts inventories, and leading diverse teams including supervisors, mechanics, and drivers.
• Have strong knowledge of Department of Transportation regulations and hazardous materials transportation requirements, with preferred experience in liquid bulk tanker transportation.
• Demonstrate ability to lead through influence, driving performance and operational excellence across multiple sites.
• Possess advanced analytical and critical thinking skills combined with proficiency in technology platforms supporting safety, compliance, and fleet efficiency.
• Have excellent communication skills in verbal, written, and presentation formats to engage stakeholders effectively.
• Can manage multiple initiatives with strong organizational skills, champion technology advancements, and commit to regular travel including overnight stays.

Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company dedicated to providing high‑quality solutions, technologies, and services that help customers be more successful and protect the planet. Linde serves a variety of end markets such as chemicals, energy, food & beverage, electronics,…