Director, Operations - Brickworks Supply

The Director of Operations will provide strategic leadership and operational excellence across Brickworks Supply including East, West, and Central regions. Based in Palos Hills, IL, this role is responsible for overseeing operations while driving standardization of processes, procedures, and location operations throughout the organization. Key focus areas include improving customer experience, developing operational talent, maintaining a strong safety focus, and providing sales-driven leadership that supports revenue growth. This position requires deep building materials industry expertise and the ability to optimize operations across diverse geographic markets while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.

• Drive technology adoption and automation initiatives to standardize and improve operational capabilities
• Oversee order fulfillment and delivery operations to ensure timely and accurate customer service
• Optimize supply chain management including product procurement, inventory management, and distribution logistics
• Drive profitability improvements through operational efficiency and cost optimization
• Oversee capital expenditure planning for operational improvements and facility upgrades
• Manage operational budgets and cost control initiatives across all regions
• Drive operational efficiency improvements through lean operational principles and continuous improvement initiatives
• Conduct regular safety audits and implement corrective actions as needed
• Promote employee engagement and retention through effective leadership and professional development opportunities
• Develop and deploy best practice protocols for distribution and customer service operations
• Oversee environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives
• Ensure quality control standards are maintained consistently across all facilities and supply centers
• Visit key operational locations regularly, attend industry events and trade shows to maintain market visibility
• Conduct monthly variance reviews with regional management teams
• Lead corporate goal achievement initiatives and ensure operational objectives are met
• Lead cross-regional collaboration to leverage best practices and optimize resource allocation across all markets
• Manage capacity planning to align distribution capabilities with market demand and sales forecasts
• Align operational capabilities with sales strategies and market opportunities
• Maintain adherence to State and Federal OSHA and MSHA requirements across all facilities
• Develop and mentor regional management teams across all markets
• Ensure compliance with all safety policies and procedures at all operational locations
• Monitor and provide strategic direction for inventory management and forecasting across all locations
• Create comprehensive leadership development programs for operational management personnel
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators for operational efficiency, safety performance, quality, and customer satisfaction
• Establish service level agreements and performance metrics that prioritize customer satisfaction
• Collaborate with sales teams to ensure operations support customer needs and business development objectives
• Implement customer-centric operational processes that enhance ease of doing business
• Establish consistent reporting and measurement systems across all operational regions
• Oversee capital asset management including facility maintenance, upgrading, and disposal decisions
• Promote a strong safety culture and implement safety improvement initiatives
• Develop and execute comprehensive operational strategies that support business growth and market expansion objectives
• Oversee distribution operations across all supply centers and product distribution facilities
• Collaborate with sales leadership to optimize product availability and delivery capabilities
• Implement standardized operating procedures across all locations to ensure consistency and operational excellence
• Provide executive leadership to the Regional Operations Team ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and operational excellence standards
• Lead succession planning initiatives for key operational positions across the enterprise
• Set operational goals and KPIs, determining course of action to achieve targets and mobilizing resources to execute plans
• Lead process optimization initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity
• Ensure operational flexibility to support changing market demands and sales initiatives
• Drive standardization initiatives across all locations, implementing consistent processes, procedures, and operational protocols throughout the entire footprint
• Support business development by ensuring operational readiness for new markets and customer segments
• Drive revenue-supporting operational decisions that enhance competitive positioning
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and high performance throughout all operational locations

Technical Skills

Industry Knowledge

• Exceptional leadership abilities with proven success in developing and managing senior management teams
• Change management expertise with ability to drive organizational transformation and standardization
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial management for large operational organizations
• Familiarity with industry best practices and competitive landscape
• Deep understanding of building materials industry including distribution and retail operations
• Understanding of industry regulations and compliance requirements
• Knowledge of masonry products and construction industry requirements
• Proven track record of leading large-scale operations across diverse geographic markets
• Experience with multi-channel distribution including wholesale and retail operations
• Knowledge of lean operational principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Background in distribution operations including supply chain management, quality control, and logistics management
• Master's Degree (MBA or Engineering) preferred
• Minimum 15+ years of operations management experience in building materials industry or related distribution sector
• Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or equivalent experience required
• Strong communication skills with ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels
• Experience in standardization and process improvement initiatives across multi-location operations
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis, performance metrics, and operational reporting
• Travel flexibility - ability to travel regularly across all operational regions while being based in the East region (DC, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Manassas Market) (50%+ travel expected)
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred)
• Proficient with operational management systems including ERP, MRP, and supply chain management software
• Strategic thinking capabilities combined with hands-on operational experience
• Minimum 10+ years in senior leadership roles managing multiple locations and regional operations teams
• Understanding of building materials industry including market dynamics, customer requirements, and competitive landscape
• Customer satisfaction scores and service level achievement

• Employee engagement and retention rates in operational roles