Director of Operations

Charleston, SC

Reports To: Chief Strategy Officer

Job Summary: The Director of Operations supervises multiple district managers and is responsible for overseeing the operations, performance, and profitability of 20 (and growing) gas and convenience store locations within the company and any food service operations within each store. This role ensures consistency in customer experience, operational excellence, financial performance, and compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements. The role focuses on driving profitability, operational consistency, and district-level staff development to ensure that store managers and their teams achieve targets and deliver exceptional service while upholding the company’s values.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
• Model and uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct
• Oversee day-to-day store operations and customer satisfaction across all locations
• Reporting gas prices and daily gas price changes
• Ensure consistent execution of company policies and procedures and standards and objectives in customer service, cleanliness, merchandising, and foodservice programs
• Implement operational improvements to systems, policies, and procedures that drive efficiency and profitability and reduce shrink and other losses
• Oversee all audit initiatives including cash handling controls and best practices as it relates to loss prevention
• Manage repairs and maintenance plan for all locations
• Lead site readiness as it relates to new stores
• Oversee staffing strategy, including recruitment, retention and talent development
• Financial and Performance Management
• Complete understanding of P&L; ensure stores meet and exceed sales, margin, and profitability targets
• Monitor KPIs; including sales and labor budgets, inventory turns, shrink, and customer satisfaction
• Analyze performance trends to make data-driven decisions
• Provide financial guidance to Direct Reports to help the team understand current financial status of stores, interpret P&L results, and identify opportunities for improvement
• Manage the bonus program for the Operations Team
• Talent Development
• Recruit, lead, coach, develop, and retain a strong leadership team within the Company
• Build and implement training programs for all levels within the Operations team
• Encourage and promote a culture of accountability, recognition, and employee engagement and succession
• Perform annual evaluation for Operation’s Management Team
• Vendor Relationships
• Oversee the buying strategy and category management
• Contract management and negotiation
• Oversee store merchandising and planogram integrity
• Drive the loyalty platform, seasonal promotions, and marketing needs
• Compliance and Safety
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations
• Maintain safety standards and loss prevention programs
• Oversee adherence to food safety and fuel regulations

Benefits

• Auto Allowance
• Fuel Allowance
• 401(k) and Match
• Health ( Vision, Dental, & Life) Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account
• Paid Time Off
• 20% Bonus Potential

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bluewater is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.

•  Bachelor's Degree in Business, Management, or related field (preferred)
•  7-10 years of multi-unit retail or convenience store operations experience
•  Proven leadership of 20 locations or similar scale
•  Strong financial acumen and P&L management experience
•  Experience in high-volume, fast-paced retail environments (c-store, QSR, grocery, etc.)
•  Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Key Competencies

•  Multi-unit leadership
•  Operational execution
•  Financial analysis
•  Team development
•  Strategic thinking
•  Customer focus