Area Manager

Description

Position Overview: Area Manager

The Area Manager leads a team of 4-12 Service Center Managers across a designated geographical region. This role is responsible for recruiting, developing, and motivating the team to achieve business results at both the Service Center and Area levels. While the Area Manager adheres to established practices, policies, and procedures, there is also room to create innovative strategies that drive business growth. Acting as a critical link between Area personnel, the Regional Manager, and Corporate Staff, the Area Manager ensures seamless communication across all levels of the organization. Successful Area Managers balance task and people orientation, understanding that selecting the right talent, managing performance, providing coaching and recognition, and fostering motivation are key to achieving profitability and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Retain, promote, and ensure a steady supply of competent Service Center Managers by:
  • Effectively managing individual performance through goal-setting, regular feedback, coaching, recognition, and appropriate discipline.
  • Enhancing Managers’ skills and behaviors by setting clear expectations, providing frequent feedback, and offering training opportunities.
  • Continuously challenging and motivating Managers to improve and grow professionally.
  • Monitoring staffing levels to ensure alignment with current and future business needs.
  • Attracting and selecting top talent by assessing candidates against established criteria.

Business Performance

• Drive business results by:
  • Developing and implementing strategic business plans, including capital and expense budgets.
  • Monitoring key operating metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and driving the necessary changes.
  • Auditing monthly business transactions, reconciling accounts, and resolving claims.
  • Keeping an eye on competitor practices and industry trends to stay competitive.

Team Culture & Communication

• Foster a strong team culture at both Area and Regional levels by:
  • Modeling and aligning team members with the company’s vision and values.
  • Leading periodic team meetings to address challenges, solve problems, and build cohesion.
  • Ensuring Managers understand the connection between their performance and overall company success.
  • Providing the necessary information to help team members succeed and feel valued.
  • Actively sharing best practices and success stories across the organization.

Compliance & Relationship Management

• Maintain required compliance, liaison, and relationship activities by:
  • Acting as a liaison between Area personnel, Regional Matrix staff, Regional Manager, and corporate teams.
  • Ensuring adherence to company policies, procedures, and external laws/regulations.
  • Championing change within the organization and ensuring Service Center compliance with marketing and training initiatives.
  • Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, retailers, and fleet accounts to promote business growth.
  • Representing the company positively in community relations efforts.

Key Challenges

• Balancing planned activities with unexpected events and prioritizing effectively.
• Serving as the critical link between Managers and corporate staff.
• Leading new initiatives while maintaining operational excellence.
• Adapting to a rapidly changing market and technological advancements.
• Building a strong team culture in a performance-driven environment.
• Attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.
• Continuously motivating and challenging self and others to improve.
• Maintaining focus on both short-term needs and long-term objectives.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To be successful in this role, candidates must be able to perform the following essential functions:

• Strong Communication Skills: Proficient in interpersonal, oral, and written communication.
• Operational Knowledge: Understanding of cash handling, facility management, and safety control policies and practices.
• Education & Experience: A high school diploma or GED, or equivalent experience and/or training. Related experience is a plus.

Qualifications