Role Summary:
The Director of Operations will play a foundational role in building and scaling travel center operations across a growing portfolio of sites across the Western United States. This individual will be responsible for establishing the operating model, building field teams, and ensuring consistent execution across all locations. Reporting to the CEO, this is a hands-on leadership role suited for someone who thrives in a build environment and is comfortable creating structure and driving operational excellence from pre-opening through ongoing performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build and lead a multi-unit field organization, including hiring and developing General Managers and site-level teams
- Establish operating standards, training programs, and performance expectations across all locations
- Lead pre-opening execution, ensuring teams, systems, and processes are in place for successful site launches
- Develop and operationalize an in-house food and beverage program aligned with a premium, experience-driven brand
- Define merchandising strategy across convenience retail and specialty offerings
- Build and manage vendor partnerships across foodservice, retail distribution, and direct delivery networks
- Implement inventory management, cost controls, and waste reduction processes
- Evaluate, select, and implement core operating systems including POS, inventory, and back-office platforms
- Support the rollout of digital and in-store technology, including ordering, payments, and customer interfaces
- Ensure systems are scalable and support accurate financial and operational reporting
- Establish and maintain a consistent, high-quality guest experience across all locations
- Partner cross-functionally to support site launches and ongoing customer engagement initiatives
- Use data and feedback to continuously refine operations, service, and product offering
- Financial & Performance Management
- Own P&L performance across all operating sites
- Develop budgets, track performance, and drive improvements in labor, margin, and overall profitability
- Establish KPIs and reporting frameworks to provide visibility into performance
- Build and manage maintenance programs and vendor relationships across all sites
- Ensure high standards of safety, cleanliness, and brand presentation
- Partner with development and construction teams to support new site openings and operational readiness
Core Competencies:
- 7+ years of multi-unit operations leadership experience with P&L responsibility
- Experience in travel centers, convenience retail, or QSR environments
- Background in building or scaling food and beverage operations strongly preferred
- Demonstrated success hiring and leading field-based teams
- Experience implementing operational systems and technology platforms
- Strong understanding of supply chain, merchandising, and vendor management
