We are seeking an experienced Retail Director to lead the performance and growth of our corporate convenience store network across Canada. This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, financial performance, customer experience, merchandising, and team development across multiple locations. A success full candidate will be someone who is a hands-on, commercially minded retail leader who can balance strategic planning with strong field execution. The successful candidate will be comfortable working directly with stores and leadership teams, using data to drive decisions, holding teams accountable to standards, and identifying opportunities to grow both sales and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the overall operations and performance of the corporate store network, with responsibility for sales, profitability, margins, and operating expenses.
- Establish and maintain consistent standards for store operations, customer service, merchandising, cleanliness, safety, and in-store presentation.
- Develop and execute strategies to drive sales growth, profitability, customer retention, and operational efficiency.
- Oversee assortment, category mix, pricing, promotions, inventory levels, and merchandising strategies.
- Analyze store and regional performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement action plans to achieve targets.
- Lead, mentor, and develop District/Regional Managers and store leadership teams, building accountability and a high-performance culture.
- Conduct regular store visits, operational reviews, audits, and field coaching to ensure standards are consistently maintained.
- Manage relationships with key suppliers and service providers, including negotiations, performance management, and issue resolution.
- Partner with procurement and strategic sourcing teams to improve purchasing, supplier performance, cost savings, and product availability.
- Support new store openings, renovations, relocations, and other capital projects, including evaluating site and operational requirements.
- Develop and manage operating budgets and monitor performance against financial targets.
- Work collaboratively with marketing, procurement, finance, HR, and operations to execute company-wide commercial initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement, technology adoption, and operational efficiencies across the store network.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety requirements, and applicable provincial and federal regulations.
- Travel regularly throughout Canada to visit stores, meet with regional teams, and support business initiatives.
Qualifications & Experience
- 5+ years of progressive retail or multi-unit operational leadership experience, preferably within convenience, fuel, grocery, or similar retail environments.
- Proven experience managing multiple locations and geographically dispersed teams.
- Strong understanding of retail operations, merchandising, inventory management, customer service, and supplier relationships.
- Demonstrated experience managing P&L, budgets, margins, and sales performance.
- Strong commercial and analytical skills with a track record of identifying and delivering operational improvements.
- Experience leading, coaching, and developing District Managers, Store Managers, and other field leadership.
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and modern retail, ERP, POS, and reporting systems.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Retail Management, or a related field is preferred.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly across Canada.
