Director of Operations

Coborn's, Inc.•Saint Cloud, MN

3d•$121,000 - $202,000

About The Position

Coborn’s Inc. is hiring a new Director of Operations to join our growing team! As the Director of Operations, you will provide strategic and hands-on leadership to Store Directors, Liquor Managers, and Franchise Managers, and cross-functional teams to achieve sales, margin, guest satisfaction, and employee engagement goals. You will also partner with Merchandising, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Facilities, and Supply Chain to deliver results aligned with company goals, standards, community values, and brand standards! On a day-to-day, you will direct and manage the daily operations of your assigned retail supermarkets, liquor stores, and in-store franchise operations, and ensure consistent execution and excellence across assigned operations by implementing company programs, optimizing operational efficiencies, and driving continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in multi-unit retail, supermarket, or grocery operations, including direct P&L responsibility.
Experience overseeing liquor and/or in-store franchise operations (coffee, foodservice, or specialty concepts) strongly preferred.
Proven track record of driving sales growth, profitability, and operational excellence in a fast-paced, guest-focused retail environment.
Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams, managing complex budgets, and implementing enterprise initiatives.
Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, safety, labor laws, and industry standards within grocery and liquor retail operations.
Advanced proficiency in financial analysis, reporting tools, and operational systems (e.g., POS, labor management, merchandising systems).
Excellent communication, collaboration, and change-management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners.

Responsibilities

Lead execution of operational and financial strategies that achieve sales, profit, and expense control goals across grocery, liquor, and franchise operations.
Analyze financial and operational reports to identify performance gaps, profit opportunities, and cost-reduction initiatives; create and execute action plans to address findings.
Ensure each location achieves budgeted performance goals through effective leadership, accountability and operational follow-through.
Conduct weekly store visits to assess operational standards, coach leaders, review performance, and ensure consistency with company policies and brand expectations.
Provide strategic oversight and performance support for assigned franchise or partnership operations, ensuring alignment with company financial goals, brand standards, and operational requirements.
Champion operational standards that promote simplicity, clarity, productivity, and brand consistency.
Ensure every location maintains the highest standards of cleanliness, merchandising execution, speed of service, and community engagement.
Partner with Store Directors and Support Center teams to strengthen local promotional activity, guest-experience initiatives, and community involvement.
Collaborate with Merchandising and Marketing to ensure programs, promotions, and pricing strategies are executed accurately and consistently across all locations.
Partner with Category and Space Planning teams to ensure stores are operationally ready for new programs, resets, and seasonal initiatives.
Work closely with Liquor and in-store franchise operation teams to ensure regulatory compliance, brand alignment, and financial performance within assigned markets.
Partner with corporate leadership and external franchise partners to develop and implement programs, promotions, and operational strategies that strengthen the franchise business model.
Lead initiatives to ensure franchise integration supports the broader enterprise strategy and brand consistency across all retail formats.
Build and sustain a culture that emphasizes guest obsession, teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning.
Partner with location leaders and HR to recruit, develop, and retain top talent, ensuring effective succession planning and leadership readiness.
Train, coach, and mentor store leaders to achieve performance excellence in operations, merchandising, and team development.
Model and reinforce company Vision, Mission, and Values in all actions, decisions and communications.
Serve as the primary communication bridge between assigned stores and the Support Center.
Lead and participate in new store openings, remodels, and special events, ensuring operational readiness, staffing, and flawless execution.
Collaborate with Facilities, Supply Chain, and IT to maintain operational reliability, inventory flow, and store conditions that support the business plan.
Participate in strategic planning, budgeting, and enterprise initiatives to support multi-banner growth and long-term profitability.
Provide regular operational summaries and performance updates to the VP of Operations, highlighting key wins, challenges, and opportunities.

Benefits

Medical Insurance with Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
Dental and Vision Insurance
401(k) plan options
Participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
Education benefits, including tuition discounts and scholarship programs
10% employee discount on grocery items, with additional franchise-specific discounts available at company-owned Ace Hardware, Caribou Coffee, Erbert and Gerbert’s, and Pet Supplies Plus locations.
Paid Time Off (PTO/Vacation)
Paid Military Leave
Employee recognition programs with monetary rewards, including in-store vouchers, years of service, and employee of the month
Employee Health & Wellness Programs, Challenges and Resources
Get Paid Daily with DailyPay
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Access to a national discount marketplace for travel, electronics, auto/home insurance, entertainment and more!
Tools, resources, and opportunities for career growth and development