Director of Operations, Business to Consumer (Food, Gas Bars, Liquor, and Pharmacy)

Director of Operations – Business to Consumer (Food, Gas Bars, Liquor, and Pharmacy)

Location: Central Alberta Co-op Business Support Centre, Red Deer, Alberta

Position Type: Full-Time

About Us

At Central Alberta Co-op, we’re not just in the business of selling goods — we’re in the business of growing communities. As a proud, member-owned organization, every dollar we make is reinvested locally, contributing to the people, programs, and places that make Central Alberta thrive.

From farm fields to fuel pumps, and from fresh food to friendly pharmacies, we’re here to serve with purpose, integrity, and a whole lot of heart. Now, we’re on the lookout for an innovative, results-driven Director of Operations to lead our Business to Consumer divisions — covering Food, Gas Bars, Liquor, and Pharmacy — and help us shape the future of retail in our region.

Your Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll be the driving force behind our consumer-facing retail operations. You’ll lead with vision, manage with precision, and inspire teams to deliver unforgettable customer experiences. This isn’t just about keeping the lights on — it’s about igniting performance, sparking innovation, and making our Co-op the go-to choice for every shopper in Central Alberta.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Boldly – Craft and execute operational strategies that make our Food, Gas Bars, Liquor, and Pharmacy divisions more efficient, profitable, and engaged than ever.
• Set the Standard – Roll out retail policies approved by our Board of Directors, ensuring every store shines with operational excellence.
• Think in Numbers – Dive deep into sales, inventory, and financial data to uncover growth opportunities and streamline performance.
• Inspire Experiences – Champion service excellence, ensuring every interaction reflects the Co-op’s commitment to going above and beyond.
• Team Up for Success – Collaborate with internal departments, and other divisions to keep our Customer Experience program world-class.
• Show the Results – Present insightful monthly operational updates to the Board of Directors.
• Grow Great People – Mentor and coach high-performing managers, building a culture of growth, accountability, and pride.

What You Bring

• 15+ years of progressive retail or operations leadership, with at least 8 years managing multiple sites or divisions.
• Proven ability to coach and inspire top-tier teams — you spot talent and help them flourish.
• Sharp business instincts with a proven record of driving operational success.
• Experience in grocery, fuel, liquor, or pharmacy sectors (bonus points for more than one).
• Exceptional strategic, analytical, and communication skills.
• A leadership style that blends decisiveness with empathy, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Competitive salary and benefits — plus an employer-contributed pension plan to help you plan for the future.
• Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP) eligibility.
• Professional development and learning opportunities to keep you at the top of your game.
• A supportive, innovative, and fun workplace culture where your impact is felt daily.

We believe in creating an environment where you can be your authentic self, and where diversity fuels better ideas and stronger teams.

Note: This role involves travel throughout Central Alberta Co-op’s trading area, plus occasional trips to Federated Co-operatives Limited locations.

Ready to Lead the Way?

If you’re a dynamic leader with a love for retail excellence and a passion for community impact, we want to meet you! Apply with your detailed resume and cover letter.

Posting will remain open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest — only those selected for the next stage of the process will be contacted.