US Director of Operations - Houston - Quadra

Description

Position: US Director of Operations & Logistics
Location: The Woodlands, Texas or Houston Area.

Status: Permanent, full-time

As the US Director of Operations & Logistics, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Quadra's US operations. A key member of the US Leadership Team and Advisory Council, you'll help define strategy, guide expansion, and ensure operational excellence across our growing national footprint.

In this highly influential role, you'll oversee several critical functions such as Operations and Facility Management, Logistics/3PL, and Health & Safety - while contributing strategic insights to Risk Management, Sustainability, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality initiatives. You must have a strong willingness to roll up one's sleeves and work hands-on within a team dedicated to operations and logistics. This role requires being just as strategic as hands-on in day-to-day projects.

Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President - Corporate, you will partner closely with our Commercial team to drive growth, optimize our supply chain performance, and champion a culture of continuous improvement. Your leadership will be central to ensuring Quadra delivers exceptional customer service while maintaining safety, efficiency and cost effectiveness at every step.

Who are we?

Founded over 49 years ago, Quadra is dedicated to its 550+ employees located in Canada and the United States. You will join a North American team that supports clients across the country and across the border. We are one of the largest distributors of chemicals and ingredients in North America and have facilities in strategic locations throughout the US.

At Quadra, we offer not only an engaging culture, a collaborative, family-oriented and supportive environment, but also a lot of autonomy and flexibility. We also offer you the opportunity to be part of a professional, fun, innovative and engaged team in a growing, people-oriented organization that is Great Place to Work certified in the US. You will work with dynamic colleagues who are eager to share their knowledge and contributions with you.

What would be your main responsibilities in this position?:

Leadership

• Champion a culture of safety accountability and excellence, ensuring that every team member actively contributes to risk mitigation and safe operations
• Define and execute the U.S. supply chain and logistics strategy that supports our growth objectives, customer service excellence and operational efficiency
• Continue to build and lead a high-performing Operations and Logistics team - fostering engagement, empowerment, and ensuring a strong culture of safety, growth and continuous improvement
• Set and communicate clear strategic goals and objectives for the team aligned on the Company's strategic plan and long-term vision for the U.S. expansion
• Lead organizational change with clarity and purpose, ensuring alignment and flawless execution across functions and business groups.
• Develop and manage financial budgets and KPIs for U.S. operations ensuring effective cost containment and achievement of corporate financial targets
• Responsibility for overall service level, productivity and cost; measure and monitor service levels, productivity parameters through established KPI's
• Establish and manage relationships with third-party logistics partners, warehouses, and satellite facilities, ensuring contractual compliance, performance, and inventory accuracy.
• Act as a Strategic Partner to the Commercial team and Senior Business Leaders, to optimize business and sales objectives for the Company. Become a partner of choice and demonstrate excellent business acumen to support numerous commercial key projects in the United States.
• Lead and coordinate major capital and infrastructure projects, ensuring they are executed safely, efficiently, and in line with strategic priorities
• Continuously assess organizational capabilities against current and future needs, proactively adjusting to sustain operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
• Represent Quadra in key industry, regulatory, and community discussions related to logistics, infrastructure, and supply chain development in the U.S.

Operations, Safety and Environment

• In collaboration with the Operations and Commercial Business leadership, lead the commissioning and operation of new U.S. facilities, ensuring full compliance, readiness, and alignment with Quadra's growth plans.
• Drive operational optimization and efficiency initiatives across all U.S. sites, including layout redesign, equipment choices, space utilization, and process enhancements.
• Work in cooperation with other departments to efficiently manage old inventories and meet yearly objectives on inventory accuracy and management
• Oversee compliance with all relevant regulatory programs (e.g. ISO, GDP, BRC, RD, COR etc..) certifications, policies and procedures, internal and external audits to ensure successful qualification within the region
• Ensure all health, safety and environmental incidents are recorded, complete with an analysis as to the root cause and the corrective actions needed to solve.
• Partner with the Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs teams, to ensure ongoing compliance with EH&S, OSHA, NACD and other safety requirements, including audits for new and existing customers.
• Guarantee that operational capabilities consistently meet or exceed customer and industry requirements for safety, cost and service performance.

Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Act as a change leader, driving a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement across the U.S. network.
• Proactively seek opportunities for enhancing operational and logistics efficiencies and cost-effectiveness; conduct comprehensive analyses of existing processes and identify areas for improvement, contributing to the overall optimization of business operations
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to standardize and optimize processes, ensuring consistency, quality, and performance across sites.
• Serve as the bridge between supply chain operations and commercial functions, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment toward shared goals.
• Demonstrate proficiency in identifying potential risks and formulating strategic mitigation strategies
• In collaboration with the US Logistics Manager, design an optimized logistics network that balances cost, flexibility, and reliability - including warehousing, transportation, and transloading components.
• Lead and coordinate continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain, employing methodologies such as Lean, NPP, Kaizen events, among others. Drive a culture of continuous enhancement to achieve operational excellence
• Implement and oversee the standardization of operating processes and procedures at branch levels
• Ensure consistency and adherence to established standards, promoting efficiency and quality
• Represent and support Supply Chain and Operations in Change Management initiatives as needed. Contribute to the successful integration of changes, aligning processes with evolving business requirement

What are the qualifications needed to succeed in this position?:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of leadership, management experience in Operations and Logistics, in a distribution or manufacturing environment
• At least 10 years of experience in chemical operations including in bulk chemicals, managing warehouses and/or production environment
• Solid experience demonstrated in logistics, distribution, customer service, and third-party logistics (3PL) management, including performance-based vendor relationships.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing and/or improving P&L performance and operational KPIs.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, able to engage, influence team and external partners
• Demonstrated success in building and transforming supply chain organizations, with proven impact on service performance, scalability, and cost optimization.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with exceptional problem-solving and process improvement skills.
• Excellent skills working in an advanced IT systems environment (ERP, MS Office, Salesforce, Transportation Management System, etc.)
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Customer-focused mindset with a solid understanding of Total Quality Management (TQM), Continuous Improvement, and Quality Assurance principles
• Knowledge of continuous improvement programs and standards such as LEAN, Six Sigma or Kaizen (certification is an asset)
• Experienced in leading large-scale projects or infrastructure initiatives (such as new facility design, transload, or network optimization projects).
• Project Management experience (PMP Certification, project management methodologies basic knowledge, scheduling / organization would be preferred)
• Proven knowledge and familiarity with the following standards, but not limited to: OSHA, CSA, HRA, BRC, ISO, COR, EPA, DOT, etc.
• Site assessment inspection experiences an asset
• Experience with Tank Farm, Rail Yard, and hazardous materials handling (HAZMAT/ERAP equivalent) considered an asset
Working Conditions :
• Emergency response and incident command training is strongly preferred; must be available to respond to emergencies outside of regular business hours
• Ability to travel across the U.S. (and international) for about up to 50% of working time
• Will directly lead a team of U.S. Operations and Logistics leaders, with broader accountability for indirect reports across multiple facilities and functions.
At Quadra, we're proud to offer more than just a great job - we provide an engaging culture built on collaboration, trust, and support. Here, you'll find a family-oriented environment that values autonomy, flexibility, and personal growth. You'll also join a professional, innovative, and passionate team within a growing, people-focused organization proudly certified as a Great Place to Work.

Why Choose Quadra?:
• Flexible Remote Work & Autonomy: Benefit from our hybrid work model and manage your schedule based on your priorities.
• Tailored training: We invest in your development with training tailored to your career goals.
• Permanent, full-time position: Enjoy a permanent, full-time role with long-term career opportunities.
• Competitive salary & Performance Incentives: Your hard work is rewarded with attractive compensation and bonuses
• Excellent Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and more to keep you covered including our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous Time Off: Flexible personal days, sick days and vacation to recharge
• Wellness Programs: Enhance your quality of life with wellness initiatives, including health and mental wellness programs from healthcare leaders
• 401K with match: Plan your future with our matched retirement program
• Tech Perks: We cover your cellphone and internet costs to keep you connected.
• Family-owned and support environment: Join a private, family-owned company with a strong infrastructure and core values
• Award-Winning Workplace: Work in a certified Great Place to Work, WEConnect Women Owned, and Best Managed Company
• Inclusive & Fun work environment: We cover your cellphone and internet costs to keep you connected.
• Career Growth: Unlock opportunities for development in a fast pace growing company
• Fun Social Activities: Get involved in company events, Volunteering programs, etc.
• Referral & Recognition Programs: Earn monetary rewards through our referral and employee recognition programs (years of service, merit awards, etc.)
• And Much More
Compensation Information: The annual pay range for this position is reasonably expected to be $147,100.00 and $229,900.00 USD. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is only a part of the total rewards package - this role will also be eligible for a generous incentive program and benefits. Quadra's salary ranges are benchmarked and are determined by role and level. Please note that the base pay shown qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location.

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Quadra supports and values diversity and offer equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status and gender identity. Quadra also welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. We recognize that some people do not identify themselves as either male or female. Therefore, whenever possible, we have opted for a gender-neutral wording in a non-discriminatory spirit.