Operations Manager at Builders FirstSource in Oak Grove, MN

PURPOSE

Under the general direction of the General Manager, manages multiple operations that control the flow of materials both to and from the location in the most timely, productive and cost effective method possible. Examples of these operations would be manufacturing, distribution, warehouse, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the overall operations and physical conditions of the location’s facilities and equipment. Oversees the daily operations of the delivery and warehousing functions. Partners with lead managers of departments and helps to train and develop personnel involved in the operations function in these departments. Budgets & controls operating costs to meet or exceed annual profit targets. Plans operations strategies and goals, establishing each department’s priorities and sequences for the smooth flow of products to customers. Reviews team and team member performance on a regular basis by compiling operational reports that measure on-time deliveries, back orders, hours worked, shipments received, etc. to ensure minimum costs, prevent operational delays and to forecast both short and long-term planning needs. Resolves problems relating to processes, costs, orders, maintenance, inventory control, equipment/trucks, services, and systems that affect the division’s ability to meet or exceed customer needs. Prepares overall operations schedules and coordinates staffing problems with team leaders in Warehouse, Shipping, Yard, Office and Purchasing to ensure specific operational performance and optimum utilization of all resources. Resolves team member issues affecting overall performance of the division. May resolve employee relations issues, utilizing tact, diplomacy, and judgement. Fosters cross department interaction/communications with Production Manager, Sales Manager, Controller and other key team members on processes that affect these groups such as buying stock for the mill, shipping products the mill produces, providing documents for accounts receivables and payables, special orders for sales, scheduling of millwork, truss and material deliveries, etc. Takes an active role in employee training programs for drivers, yard personnel, and supervisors. This includes motivating employees, maintaining a productive work force and training successors. Analyzes and maintains all vendor evaluations and makes necessary recommendations for revisions. Monitors existing services and initiates new service options to keep Builders FirstSource ahead of the competition. Participates in decisions to accept or reject orders. Directs the implementation of safe operating practices in compliance with Company and regulatory policies (DOT regulations, forklift operations, OSHA compliance, etc.) Plans and implements equipment and facility design upgrades and maintenance. Active in professional trade groups such as Home Builder’s Association and participates in LMC meetings and customer appreciation events.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Carries out managerial responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Supervises employees such as Plant Managers or Supervisors. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and developing/training team members; planning, assigning, directing and delegating work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining team members; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Bachelor’s degree from 4-year college or university, and 4 years of directly related experience in the lumber or building materials industry with multiple assignments in all phases of the business; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge/experience in building materials, procurement, inventory management and supervision of people is required. Must also have strong customer service experience, and good organizational skills.

COMPETENCIES

Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common financial reports, trade journals, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or member of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conforms to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Must be able to persuade individuals or groups to take actions that would result in obtaining a mutually desired outcome. Influencing others is a major requirement of this position. Must have exceptional leadership and teamwork abilities.

Mathematical Skills
Ability to apply concepts such as fraction, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions percentages, area, circumference and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Must be able to develop and interpret graphs and charts.

Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Solutions require modification of standard approaches to develop alternative course of action. Problems are varied and unrelated and require problem identification and analyses. Develops new ways of doing things that introduce new elements.

Computer Skills
Must have thorough knowledge of or quick ability to learn order processing/delivery systems.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL ACTIVITY The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Occasional travel may be required.

Must be knowledgeable about and follow the company’s safety policies and procedures.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the manager is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The manager regularly stands and walks to other departments. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to focus. Some very limited driving is needed.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Position is located in an open, office area. There is some occasional exposure to outside weather conditions during visits to the yard.