CEA Director of Fuel & Retail Operations

Director of Fuel & Retail Operations

Cowlitz Economic Authority (CEA)

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

Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities:

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.