Linde Canada Inc.
Retail and Operations Manager (full time) Nanaimo, BC, Canada | req34366
Reporting to the Regional General Sales Manager, the Regional Retail & Distribution Operations Manager is responsible for leading retail branch operations, packaged gas distribution, fleet management, and customer service activities across the assigned geography. The role ensures safe, compliant, efficient, and profitable operations while driving employee engagement, operational excellence, sales growth, and customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will provide leadership to both retail and distribution teams, ensuring alignment with company objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
What you will enjoy doing* - In this role, you will provide leadership for retail branch operations, packaged gas operations, transportation, and distribution activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and customer-focused execution across the business
- Safety is a top priority, and you will champion a strong safety culture by leading compliance initiatives, audits, inspections, incident investigations, and corrective action programs while ensuring adherence to TDG, Transport Canada, and provincial regulatory requirements
- You will oversee day-to-day retail operations, ensuring locations meet or exceed sales objectives, operational KPIs, service standards, and budget expectations
- The role includes managing inventory performance, improving profitability, reducing dead stock, optimizing inventory turns, and supporting freight recovery initiatives
- You will support customer growth and retention by maintaining exceptional service standards, resolving customer concerns, and partnering with sales teams to align operational capabilities with customer needs
- A key focus will be leading transportation and distribution operations, including fleet utilization, route optimization, maintenance programs, on-time delivery performance, and overall transportation efficiency
- You will serve as the primary escalation point for operational and distribution-related issues, working closely with scheduling, customer service, and operations teams to support business requirements
- The position involves recruiting, coaching, mentoring, and developing employees while fostering a positive, accountable, and high-performing work environment across both unionized and non-unionized teams
- You will be responsible for managing operating expenses and labour budgets, while identifying opportunities to improve productivity, operational efficiency, and overall business performance
- Success in this role comes from building strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and providing leadership support during operational challenges and after-hours emergencies when required
What makes you great* - The role is ideal for someone with post-secondary education in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field, combined with a strong understanding of operational leadership and customer service
- You will bring 5+ years of progressive experience in distribution, logistics, transportation, industrial operations, retail operations, or a related environment
- Proven leadership experience is important, with the ability to manage multi-site operations, lead teams, and drive performance across multiple locations
- You will have a strong understanding of inventory management, fleet operations, transportation processes, and customer service best practices
- Experience managing budgets, operating expenses, and performance metrics will help you effectively balance financial objectives with operational priorities
- Knowledge of industrial gases, welding products, or industrial distribution would be considered a strong asset and will support a deeper understanding of the business
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential, with the ability to effectively manage competing priorities and operational challenges
- A demonstrated commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence is critical to success in the role
- You will be comfortable building relationships across functions, supporting customers, and collaborating with teams to achieve business objectives
- The role requires flexibility to travel throughout the assigned region as needed to support operations, employees, and customer requirements
This is an existing position with a starting annual salary of $95,000.00.
Have we inspired you? Let's talk about it We are looking forward to receiving your complete application.
*The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Therefore employees assigned may be required to perform additional job tasks required by the manager.
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