Area Operations Manager

Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King,  sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business.  Do you dare to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities?  Do you want to contribute to making a better future?  If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what's possible for a sustainable world.

Learn about our benefits designed for you to Thrive at work and at home. 

We boldly go.

Where is the work:

This role requires travel within the designated Area (St. Louis and Kansas City), typically 25–50%, and a company vehicle will be provided.

What's in it for you:

Take the wheel of a multi-site business at the center of Thermo King's next chapter! As Area Operations Manager, you will shape and lead a broader, more strategic operating model that is core to our growth plans over the next five years. With responsibility for both Parts and Service performance across multiple locations, you will play a critical role in building strong teams, delivering exceptional customer support, and driving profitable growth across the area.

Leading a team that typically includes Thermo King and Trailer Repair Service Managers, Parts Managers, and their corresponding teams, you will be responsible for the overall health of the Area’s Parts and Service business. This includes financial results, operational performance, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement.

This is an ideal opportunity for a strategic, hands-on multi-site leader who wants to build something meaningful, lead through transformation, and make a visible impact on the future of Thermo King. In this role, you will play a key part in an evolving leadership model central to our long-term growth. You will leverage your strong blend of business acumen, operational leadership, and people development experience to inspire teams, elevate performance, and drive results across a complex operation.

What you will do:

• Lead the overall Parts and Service business across multiple sites within the assigned Area, with full accountability for financial performance, operational execution, customer experience, and team engagement.
• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and development to Service Managers, Parts Managers, and other Area leaders, building a strong, accountable, and high-performing culture across locations.
• Drive profitable growth by improving service execution, expanding parts performance, strengthening customer relationships, and ensuring consistent operating standards across the Area.
• Own Area-level business planning and performance management, including budgeting, forecasting, margin improvement, expense control, productivity, and achievement of growth objectives.
• Partner across functions to implement strategic initiatives, lead continuous improvement efforts, and align site-level execution with broader business priorities.
• Champion a safe, compliant, and people-focused environment that supports employee development, retention, succession planning, and long-term organizational capability.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred; however, a combination of relevant work experience and proven leadership experience will also be considered.
• Progressive leadership experience in multi-site operations, service, parts, aftermarket, industrial, transportation, fleet, equipment, or similar business-to-business environments.
• Demonstrated success leading teams with responsibility for operational and financial performance in service-oriented or asset lifecycle support businesses.
• Experience leading leaders and developing teams across multiple locations.
• Proven track record of driving profitable growth, operational improvement, and customer satisfaction.
• Experience in industries where business-to-business industrial-type asset lifecycle service is prevalent, rather than requiring direct Thermo King-specific experience.
• Experience overseeing both service operations and parts operations is strongly preferred.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including experience managing budgets, forecasts, margins, expenses, and overall business performance.
• Ability to lead multi-site operations with a focus on consistency, efficiency, productivity, and customer outcomes.
• Proven strength in coaching leaders, building engaged teams, and creating a culture of accountability and performance.
• Working knowledge of service operations, parts operations, inventory management, and customer support in industrial or commercial environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to use data and performance metrics to drive action.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence across teams, levels, and customer relationships.
• Ability to lead change effectively and translate strategy into execution across multiple sites.
• Commitment to safety, compliance, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Willingness and ability to travel 25–50% within the assigned Area.

Annual Base Salary Range or Hourly Base Pay Range:

Compensation Type:

Incentive Eligible:

Sales Commission Eligible:

Disclaimer: We strive to provide competitive compensation for this position, tailored to a variety of factors. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience,  travel requirements, and union designation.   Our compensation range is generally based on the national average for the country.  Additionally, benefits may vary depending on the region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.

Thrive at work and at home:

• Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE!
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• Paid time off includes  up to 15 vacation days, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave. 
• 401K match up, educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.    

Disclaimer:  Benefit offerings may vary by site as well as Collective Bargaining Agreements and local/state regulations

Safety Sensitive Role:

The company designates certain roles as Safety Sensitive. Safety Sensitive roles may require that you pass additional drug screening.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs. We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.