Director of Retail Operations

Position

The Director of Retail Operations is responsible for overseeing the operational and financial performance of retail Travel Plaza convenience store, maintenance facility and restaurant locations, as well as supporting future growth initiatives. The leader in this position ensures that each unit delivers strong customer experience, operational consistency, and measurable financial returns. The work combines on-site leadership with financial insight. This is not a desk bound role. The person in this position will spend consistent time in the field supporting teams, validating processes, assessing operations firsthand, and translating real world observations into strong financial and strategic decisions. This position reports directly to the ownership by connecting daily execution with long-term profitability.

Key Responsibilities

•  Lead day-to-day operations across retail and restaurant locations through consistent field engagement and partnership with store and restaurant leadership
• Analyze financial performance including labor, cost of goods, controllable expenses, and revenue trends
• Develop and maintain financial models to evaluate return on investment for new initiatives, and capital expenditures
•  Lead annual budgeting, ongoing forecasting, and monthly financial performance reviews
• Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions to improve profitability and efficiency
•  Conduct feasibility analysis for new store openings and menu or product category changes
• Strengthening operational standards through on-site coaching, inventory assessment, workflow evaluation, and real time problem solving
•  Prepare and present clear financial insights and operational recommendations to senior leadership
• Collaborate closely with field teams to ensure initiatives are executed effectively and results are accurately measured
• Building relationship with vendors and manage the implementation of new product sales growth

Experience and Qualifications

• Proven experience leading both retail and restaurant operations with accountability for multi-unit financial and operational performance
• Demonstrated success improving store level profitability and delivering strong return on investment for operational initiatives and capital projects
• Strong financial acumen with hands-on experience in ROI analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling
• Track record of hands-on field leadership supporting teams in fast paced, on site environments
• Experience identifying performance gaps and implementing actions that drive operational consistency and guest satisfaction
• Background in capital planning, investment evaluation, and supporting growth initiatives
• Experience scaling multi location or growth focused brands
• Proficiency in financial reporting, analytic tools, and performance management platforms
• Ability to lead teams, influence decision making, and communicate effectively with senior leadership
• Strong analytical thinking, operational discipline, and structured problem-solving skills
• Leadership presence with the ability to influence cross functional teams
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication
• High level of accountability, initiative, and ownership

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, hospitality management, or a related field
• Master’s degree in business administration is a plus