Role Overview for Vice President of Operations | Building Materials Distribution | Atlanta, GA
The Vice President of Operations serves as the strategic architect and hands-on leader for all operational functions across the enterprise. This role is fundamentally responsible for ensuring that the company’s operational capabilities are a competitive advantage, enabling growth, profitability, and superior customer service. The VP will oversee the entire order-to-delivery lifecycle, including inventory management, warehousing, fleet and logistics, safety, and continuous improvement. This executive will be tasked with developing and executing a long-term operational strategy that aligns with the company’s aggressive growth objectives. Success in this role will be measured by improvements in key performance indicators such as On-Time In-Full (OTIF) delivery rates, inventory accuracy and turns, cost-per-delivery, OSHA recordable incident rates, and overall operational contribution to EBITDA. This is a highly visible role that requires a strategic mindset balanced with a deep understanding of the tactical realities of a high-volume, complex distribution environment. You will be the central pillar supporting the sales organization, ensuring the promises made to customers are delivered efficiently, safely, and profitably every day.
Key Responsibilities of Vice President of Operations | Building Materials Distribution | Atlanta, GA
Strategic Leadership & P&L Management
Develop and implement a comprehensive operational strategy that supports business growth and profitability. Assume full P&L responsibility for the Operations division, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital expenditure planning. Present operational performance and strategic initiatives to the executive team and board of directors.
Supply Chain & Inventory Optimization
Direct all aspects of inventory strategy, including demand planning, procurement, and control across a multi-echelon network. Champion Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to improve forecast accuracy and optimize stock levels, minimizing carrying costs while maximizing service levels.
Distribution & Warehouse Excellence
Oversee a network of large-scale distribution centers, ensuring the highest standards of productivity, accuracy, and efficiency. Drive the standardization of best practices across all sites, and lead the evaluation and implementation of warehouse management systems (WMS) and automation technologies to enhance capabilities.
Fleet & Logistics Management
Command a large private fleet and manage third-party logistics (3PL) relationships to create a world-class transportation network. Focus on route optimization, load planning, and cost-per-mile reduction. Ensure strict adherence to all Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and maintain the fleet to the highest standards of safety and reliability.
World-Class Safety & Compliance Culture
Act as the executive champion for safety. Foster a proactive, behavior-based safety culture that permeates every level of the organization. Ensure rigorous compliance with all OSHA regulations and internal safety protocols to achieve an industry-leading safety record and minimize risk.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of regional directors, DC managers, and functional leaders. Establish a clear vision, set performance expectations, and build a talent pipeline to support future growth. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and employee engagement.
Continuous Improvement & Process Innovation
Drive a culture of relentless continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. Identify and eliminate waste, streamline workflows, and empower teams to solve problems. Sponsor key initiatives aimed at improving productivity, reducing costs, and enhancing service quality.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key partner to the leaders of Sales, Finance, Human Resources, and IT. Collaborate closely with the sales team to understand customer needs and ensure the operation is aligned to exceed service expectations. Work with finance on budgeting and performance analysis, and with IT on technology roadmaps.
Requirements for the Vice President of Operations | Building Materials Distribution | Atlanta, GA
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, with at least 7 years in a senior executive role (e.g., VP, Senior Director) with significant P&L and multi-site responsibility.
- Direct experience in the building materials distribution (LBM), industrial distribution, or a similar industry characterized by large/bulky products, complex inventory, and private fleet logistics is absolutely essential.
- Proven track record of successfully managing a large, distributed workforce across multiple distribution centers and geographies.
- Demonstrable experience developing and executing strategic plans that have resulted in measurable improvements in efficiency, cost, safety, and service levels.
- Strong financial acumen with deep experience in budget management, capital planning, and P&L ownership for a large operational division.
- Expert-level knowledge of modern supply chain principles, including inventory management, network design, warehousing, and transportation logistics.
Preferred Qualifications:
- An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
- Experience working within a private equity-backed company is a significant plus.
- Formal training and certification in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma (e.g., Green Belt, Black Belt).
- Experience leading operations through periods of significant growth, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and greenfield site launches.
- Advanced proficiency with modern ERP systems, as well as Tier-1 Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
- APICS certifications such as CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) or CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution) are highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a top-tier executive leader. This includes:
- Highly competitive executive base salary.
- Significant annual performance-based bonus potential.
- Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) with meaningful wealth-creation opportunity.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Substantial Paid Time Off (PTO) package, including vacation, sick days, and paid holidays.
- Executive-level perquisites, such as a vehicle allowance.
- Comprehensive relocation assistance for the successful candidate and their family to the Atlanta, GA area.
- A dynamic, growth-oriented culture with a highly engaged executive team.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the confidential search for this critical role. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion and confidentiality. We are committed to a professional and transparent recruitment process.
To learn more about how JRG Partners connects exceptional leaders with transformative opportunities, please visit our Building Products & Materials Executive Recruiters practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application.
