Director of Fuel & Retail Operations

Cowlitz Economic Authority (CEA)

Location: Cowlitz Reservation (Hybrid)
Type: Regular Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: CEA CEO

The Cowlitz Economic Authority (CEA) builds a diversified, resilient economy for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe through growth and management of enterprises. The Director of Fuel & Retail Operations will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight and business development direction for the CEA’s fuel and convenience store operations. This position is responsible for developing and leading a growing portfolio of fuel and retail assets, including existing operations and future acquisitions, while ensuring alignment with organizational goals, financial performance expectations and customer service standards.

As CEA evaluates the creation of a dedicated fuel operations division or standalone business entity, this role will serve as the executive leader responsible for establishing operational frameworks, driving growth initiatives, maintaining regulatory compliance, and providing strategic recommendations to executive leadership. This position will balance long term business growth with the operational excellence and a commitment to protecting and enhancing the guest experience throughout all the fuel and convenience store locations.

Strategic Leadership & Business Development

• Develop and execute short- and long-term plans for fuel and convenience store operations.

• Lead the growth and expansion of fuel operations through acquisitions, partnerships, and development opportunities.

• Evaluate market trends, industry conditions, and competitive factors to identify opportunities for revenue growth and operational improvements.

• Provide strategic recommendations regarding organizational structure, operations models, and future business development initiatives.

• Participate in due diligence, feasibility studies, and acquisition evaluations for new business opportunities.

Operational Leadership

• Provide executive oversight for all fuel and convenience store operations.

• Establish operational standards, policies, procedures, and performance expectations.

• Ensure operational efficiency, safety, regulatory compliance, and consistent service delivery.

• Monitor customer satisfaction metrics and implement initiatives to improve the guest experience.

• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Technology, Systems & Digital Operations

• Provide executive oversight of all fuel, retail, and business technology platforms supporting operations.

• Develop and maintain technology strategies that support operational efficiency, customer experience, scalability, and business growth.

• Oversee fuel point-of-sale (POS) systems, convenience store retail systems, inventory management systems, and back-office reporting platforms.

• Ensure reliable operation and maintenance of fuel dispensers, tank monitoring systems, fuel management systems, site controllers, and related technologies.

• Lead the evaluation, selection, implementation, and optimization of technology solutions across all locations.

• Manage relationships with technology vendors, fuel equipment providers, payment processors, and service contractors.

• Support development and implementation of loyalty programs, customer rewards platforms, mobile applications, digital marketing tools, and customer engagement technologies.

• Evaluate e-commerce, online ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery solutions where appropriate.

• Ensure cybersecurity, data security, PCI compliance, system reliability, and business continuity standards are maintained.

• Lead technology integration efforts associated with acquisitions, new store development, remodels, and expansion projects.

• Identify emerging technologies, automation opportunities, and innovation initiatives that enhance operational performance and guest experience.

Financial Management

• Develop and oversee annual operating and capital budgets.

• Analyze financial performance and identify opportunities to maximize profit.

• Monitor fuel pricing strategies, tax implications, margin management, and market competitiveness.

• Develop financial forecasts and business projections for existing and future operations.

• Present financial performance reports and recommendations to executive leadership.

• Ensure effective stewardship of organizational resources and assets.

Vendor & Program Management

• Lead vendor selection, contract negotiations, and procurement processes.

• Develop and oversee Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for operational services, development projects, maintenance activities, and capital improvements.

• Manage relationships with vendors, contractors, consultants, and service providers.

• Monitor vendor performance and ensure contractual obligations are met.

Governance & Stakeholder Relations

• Prepare and present operational, financial, and strategic reports. Collaborate with executive leadership to ensure alignment between business operations and organizational objectives.

• Build and maintain productive relationships with tribal leadership, regulatory agencies, community partners, and industry stakeholders.

• Represent the organization in industry meetings, conferences, and business development opportunities.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, develop, coach and retain high-performing leaders and teams.

• Establish organizational structures that support growth and operational effectiveness.

• Promote a culture that reflects organizational values and supports employee engagement.

• Provide leadership during organizational transitions, growth initiatives, and operational changes.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support CEA’s operational, strategic, and business development needs.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of tribal fuel retail and convenience store operations.

• Understanding of tribal business enterprises and tribal governance structures.

• Extensive knowledge of fuel retail technology platforms, point-of-sale systems, and convenience store operations systems.

• Understanding of fuel dispenser technologies, fuel management systems, automatic tank monitoring systems, and payment processing platforms.

• Knowledge of merchant services, interchange costs, EMV compliance requirements, PCI-DSS standards, and payment security practices.

• Experience evaluating and implementing retail technology, inventory management systems, mobile applications, and customer loyalty programs.

• Ability to leverage business intelligence tools, operational dashboards, and data analytics to improve performance and profitability.

• Understanding of cybersecurity principles, technology governance, and technology vendor management.

• Knowledge of fuel pricing methodologies, taxation, inventory management, and retail operations.

• Strong financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and business planning skills.

• Experience evaluating acquisitions, expansions, and new business opportunities.

• Knowledge of procurement practices, contract administration, and RFP development.

• Ability to interpret financial statements and operational performance metrics.

• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.

• Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with executive Leadership.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with tribal members, employees, leadership, and external partners.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and organizational needs.

• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to demonstrate cultural awareness and alignment with CEA’s mission and goals.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Management, Retail Operations or related field. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

• Experience working within a tribal government, tribal enterprise, or tribally-owned business.

• Seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in fuel retail, convenience store operations, or similar tribal retail operations.

• Minimum of two (2) years of multi-site retail operations oversight and responsibility.

• Experience leading acquisitions, expansions, or large-scale business development initiatives.

• Knowledge of fuel taxation, regulatory requirements, and pricing strategy.

• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, financial performance, and operational strategy.

• Experience leading teams and developing organizational capabilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, reporting tools, and business management systems.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Business Administration or related field.

• Experience managing tribal fuel and convenience store operations.

• Experience with fuel retail POS platforms like Verifone, Gilbarco Passport, NCR, PDI, Petrosoft, or equivalent systems.

• Experience implementing customer loyalty, rewards, mobile ordering, and digital engagement platforms.

• Experience integrating technologies associated with acquisitions, new store openings, or multi-site fuel retail operations.

• Experience presenting to executive leadership teams.

• Experience managing convenience stores (c-stores), particularly with relevant product categories.

• Direct experience in fast-casual food service is advantageous and strongly preferred.

• Cowlitz and tribal member preference will be applied in accordance with the applicable tribal employment policies and law.

Working Conditions:

• Work in the Cowlitz Reservation with travel to enterprise sites. Some hybrid work may be possible.

• Typical working hours are Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm.

• Frequent travel between business locations, vendor sites, and development projects.

• Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required.

• Ability to visit fuel stations and retail environments regularly.

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Reference checks, education, and employment verification.

• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.

• Must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and UA test.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

• Must comply with all applicable tribal, federal, state, and organizational policies and requirements.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes a Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***