District Manager of Store Operations

Summary:

The District Manager of Store Operations is responsible for the overall operational performance, sales growth, profitability, and team development of Gila River Business Enterprises’ convenience stores. This position provides leadership and direction to Store Managers and their teams, ensuring consistent execution of operational standards, customer service expectations, merchandising strategies, and business initiatives across all locations. The Manager of Store Operations works closely with Store Managers to identify opportunities, address challenges, improve performance, and build strong, capable teams. This position provides coaching, training support, and accountability while serving as a role model for Gila River Business Enterprises’ core values and commitment to excellence.

Responsibilities:

Multi-Location Operations & Leadership:

• Direct and oversee the day-to-day operations of assigned Gila, Gas and Goods C-stores.
• Provide leadership, direction, and accountability to Store Managers and their teams.
• Establish consistent operational expectations and ensure company standards are followed across all locations.
• Conduct regular store visits to assess operations, customer service, merchandising, cleanliness, staffing, and overall store performance.
• Ensure stores are appropriately staffed and that managers are effectively scheduling and deploying employees based on business needs.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Sales, Profitability & Business Performance:

• Develop and execute strategies to maximize sales, profitability, and overall financial performance across assigned locations.
• Monitor sales, labor, expenses, inventory, margins, and other key performance indicators.
• Review store performance regularly and work with Store Managers to address areas of opportunity.
• Identify trends, opportunities, and challenges that may impact sales or profitability.
• Hold Store Managers accountable for achieving established operational and financial goals.
• Provide recommendations to leadership regarding opportunities to improve revenue, reduce costs, and strengthen store performance.

People Leadership, Training & Coaching:

• Coach and develop Store Managers to strengthen leadership skills, operational knowledge, and business performance.
• Support Store Managers in providing effective employee coaching, feedback, and performance management.
• Identify training needs and coordinate with appropriate resources to ensure employees receive required and job-specific training.
• Recognize strong performance and encourage employee development and advancement.
• Assist Store Managers with employee relations matters and provide guidance when situations require additional leadership or HR support.
• Build a strong leadership pipeline by developing Store Managers and high-potential employees.

Customer Experience & Store Standards:

• Promote a consistent, welcoming, and customer-focused experience across all locations.
• Ensure stores maintain appropriate standards for cleanliness, organization, appearance, and customer service.
• Monitor compliance with established operating procedures, safety requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Address recurring customer service or operational concerns and implement corrective actions.
• Lead by example and reinforce expectations through visible presence and engagement in the stores.

Merchandising, Inventory & Loss Prevention:

• Support execution of merchandising, product placement, promotions, and seasonal initiatives.
• Partner with Store Managers to maintain appropriate inventory levels and product availability.
• Monitor inventory controls, shrink, waste, and other factors affecting profitability.
• Identify opportunities to improve product assortment, sales performance, and inventory management.
• Ensure established cash-handling, security, and loss-prevention procedures are consistently followed.

Strategic Initiatives & Continuous Improvement:

• Translate organizational goals into clear expectations and actionable plans for Store Managers.
• Evaluate operational practices and recommend improvements that increase efficiency, sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Support the implementation of new programs, systems, technology, products, promotions, and operational processes.
• Collaborate with leadership and other departments to ensure initiatives are effectively communicated and implemented at the store level.
• Monitor results and make adjustments when initiatives are not producing the desired outcomes.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Maintain regular communication with Store Managers regarding business performance, staffing, operational concerns, and organizational priorities.
• Provide leadership with timely updates, performance information, and recommendations.
• Work collaboratively with Human Resources, Finance, Marketing, Procurement, Safety, and other support functions.
• Ensure important company information, policies, and initiatives are communicated effectively to store leadership and employees.
• Represent Gila River Business Enterprises professionally and demonstrate its core values in all interactions.

Supervisor Responsibility:

Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes hiring, work allocation, training, problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance; provides guidance and feedback for assigned staff.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work will primarily be performed in an retail store environment.

• Work will be performed both inside and outside on a regular basis, in most weather conditions.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts are required as a normal part of this position.

• Occasional local day travel, local travel to managed businesses, trainings or corporate office.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk extended period. The employee occasionally is required to bend, climb, stoop, lift, carry, push, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum of five (5) years of retail management experience.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required.

• Valid AZ driver’s license, provide a 39-month satisfactory MVR report.
• Obtain a Tribal operator driving permit at the time of hire.
• A satisfactory result obtained through a test for illegal drugs.
• Acknowledge and agree to maintain a drug-free workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple stores and teams effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to articulate goals and expectations clearly.
• Effective time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Strong analytical skills with a proactive approach to resolving complex issues.
• Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and an ability to build trust and collaboration among diverse team members.
• Knowledge and experience working with Gila River Indian Community or other Native American Communities.
• Proficient in MS office and other relevant workplace tools.