Director of Convenience Store Operations
Job Title: Director of Convenience Store Operations
Reports to: CEO
Location: Midwest-based preferred (Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas travel required)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Company Overview:
Our Client operates a growing chain of convenience stores and fuel stations across the Midwest and Southern United States, with a distinct brand identity. Our stores combine small-town community presence with modern operational standards and a cheeky, inviting customer experience. We’re in the business of revitalizing stores that others left behind and building something different while doing it.
With 25 locations across Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas as of this month, Our Client is focused on deliberate growth, employee empowerment, and community impact.
The Role:
We’re actively seeking a senior-level Director of Operations to oversee multi-unit convenience store performance, drive operational consistency, and lead our District Managers. This is a key leadership role reporting directly to the CEO, with a mandate to take full operational ownership. While Iowa is the immediate priority and requires the most attention to stabilize and become competitive, this role will also provide leadership and oversight to District Managers in Arkansas and Missouri. This is not a desk job. We are looking for someone who thrives in the field, leads with accountability, and builds high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities:
District Manager Oversight: Provide direct leadership to District Managers across Iowa, Arkansas, and Missouri, ensuring alignment with company goals and consistent execution of operational strategies.
Financial Performance: Drive store-level metrics, including inside sales, fuel volumes, labor management, shrink, and profitability; develop action plans to address underperformance.
Operational Standards: Implement and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), training programs, and compliance protocols to ensure consistency across all locations.
KPI Analysis & Reporting: Monitor store and district-level KPIs (e.g., sales per square foot, fuel margins, labor costs); deliver detailed, actionable reports to the CEO with recommendations for improvement.
Iowa Market Turnaround: Lead stabilization and competitive positioning of Iowa stores (Davenport, Cedar Rapids), addressing legacy issues from prior operators and driving market share.
Culture Leadership: Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement; model leadership behaviors that inspire District Managers and store teams.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with category management, marketing, HR, and finance to align operations with pricing, promotions, hiring, and budgeting strategies.
Travel Requirements: Conduct regular field visits (up to 75% of time) across Iowa, Arkansas, Missouri, and surrounding markets; attend quarterly planning and leadership meetings at the Chicago-based home office (minimum 4 times per year).
Fuel Strategy: Understand and optimize fuel operations as a key driver of store traffic and profitability; ensure compliance with fuel brand standards (e.g., Sinclair Oil) and regulatory requirements.
Key Qualifications: Experience: 7–10+ years of multi-unit convenience store leadership, with a proven track record of managing District Managers and turning around underperforming markets.
Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of P&L management, budgeting, and financial analysis specific to convenience store metrics (e.g., fuel margins, shrink control).
Leadership Skills: Exceptional ability to coach, mentor, and develop high-performing teams; experience fostering accountability in a fast-paced environment.
Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of convenience store operations, including fuel, tobacco, alcohol, and QSR dynamics; familiarity with POS systems (e.g., PDI, Verifone) and loyalty programs.
Regional Expertise: Midwest market knowledge preferred, particularly in Iowa, Missouri, or Arkansas; understanding of small-town customer behaviors a plus.
Work Style: Comfortable in an entrepreneurial, hands-on culture with high accountability; ability to identify operational gaps and implement structured solutions.
Travel: Willingness to travel extensively (valid driver’s license required); Midwest-based location preferred for proximity to key markets.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, retail management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
Compensation: Commensurate with Experience
Bonus Opportunity: Up to 25% based on performance metrics (e.g., sales growth, shrink reduction, Iowa market stabilization)
Benefits: Comprehensive package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off; potential for relocation assistance if applicable.
The Right Candidate Will:
Be a hands-on operator who can walk into an imperfect system, identify gaps, build structure, hold teams accountable, and deliver measurable improvements.
This is a roll-up-your-sleeves leadership role with real authority, autonomy, and the ability to make a significant impact on the company's growth trajectory.
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