Chief Operating Officer Jobs

Client Organization: Paz Fuels Ltd.

Position Title: Chief Operating Officer

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Abbotsford, British Columbia

THE ORGANIZATION

“Reset Your Day at Paz”, sets out Paz Fuels strategy to continue to be an integral part of the Abbotsford community. Their mission is to provide extra value in every customer interaction to remain the cornerstone destination of the Abbotsford community.

Paz Fuels has changed and grown since they first opened in the Abbotsford area in 1969. Today, they are the leading integrated fuel and convenience operation in the area, and proudly continue to be part of the Abbotsford community. They strive to give their customers what they want, when they want it which is underpinned by their core values of being genuine, high level of integrity, respect for their customers and employees, and their continuous focus on safety.

Ever since the Paz family got into the business in 1969, they’ve had an independent spirit and wanted to do things differently. Gas stations have been around for decades, but we haven’t seen a lot of change in how gas stations work. So the Paz family took the opportunity to make getting gas a much better experience.

The retail operation has plenty of space for any vehicle, from small electric two-seaters to regular SUVs, and large commercial trucks. All of their pumps are high-speed and those reserved for truckers can dispense DEF directly. They offer a card lock service for their fleet management customers, and a sustainable car wash that takes just three minutes to make your car shine. They sell fresh food made to order in their restaurant and have a convenience store on the premises.

In recent years, the Paz team (now at over 40 people) has moved into the wholesale fuel supply business through the delivery of gas on demand, delivered by company owned gas trucks and personnel.

THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OPPORTUNITY

“Maintaining a profitable retail and wholesale fuel operation is the ultimate goal of this inaugural Chief Operating Officer (COO) role at Paz Fuels”, Mike Paz Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

This COO role that is coming at a crucial time in Paz Fuels history is a succession position, and reports to the CEO. The primary responsibility of the COO will be to direct the day-to-day operations of a very busy, multi-pronged retail and wholesale fuel operations, and support the CEO in a strategic role to best fulfill the organizations business development, sales and customer service functions of the company. Their responsibility includes the effective and successful management of the P&L, labour, productivity, quality control, and safety measures of the operation.

The experienced COO will ensure safe, clean, and efficient operations. Serve as a company representative on regulatory issues. Enhance the operational procedure, systems, and principles in the areas of information flow and management, business processes, enhanced management reporting, and look for opportunities to expand/improve operating systems.

The role requires someone who is very familiar with a variety of retail product and service concepts, practices, and procedures. Rely on extensive operational management experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals and develop and meet key performance indicators.

As a leader of people, they will bring a positive approach; show initiative and drive results. The ideal candidate will be someone who can build and maintain relationships with both customers and team members, complimented by their skill set that includes organization, attention to detail, conflict resolution, critical thinking and strong office administration skills.

The Paz Fuels CEO believes strongly that this role requires a strong leader. That remarkable leadership is often the result of a remarkable partnership, and a strong second in command at Paz Fuels is essential to forming a successful leadership team to continue to evolve the organization as it goes through a period of exponential growth.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

This position directly manages a team of approx. 40 and the work of the COO falls into four main categories:

Operations

• Is responsible for the operation to continual strive for 100% customer satisfaction in Paz Fuels products and services
• Manage all retail and wholesale physical facilities and assets
• Proactively prevent environmental issues from arising and maintain an exceptionally clean and well-presented site.
• Oversees the day-to-day retail operations which includes budgets, inventory, employee scheduling, hiring, training, ordering and receiving supplies
• Maintains the day-to-day wholesale operation which includes shift analysis, sales opportunities, customer satisfaction, and employee performance.
• The COO must ensure that both employees and customers follow safety protocols,
• Manage all contracts, including business and vendor contracts, lease agreements, subcontracts, and federal/provincial/municipal agreements. Ensure compliance with company and government procurement standards when applicable.
• Ensure the accuracy of payroll, employee benefits, and business insurance
• Establish sales schedules and evaluate cost and effectiveness of earned revenue programs and promotions

Finance

• Evolve the financial strategy of the organization to drive Paz Fuels growth plan alongside the CEO
• Review and approve financial transactions. Manage banking relationships and investment accounts
• Monitors Paz Fuels financial performance and develop long range financial plans that align with the organization's strategic priorities goals and projections
• Leads organizational risk identification, management, and mitigation strategies for oversight by the CEO
• Oversee monthly and annual financial reporting, including the conduct of an annual review and government compliance audits
• Develop and implement annual, multi-year, and project/grant budgets

Human Resources

• Ensure legal compliance in all efforts, policies, and practices
• Investigate, monitor and resolve complex employee situations from origin to conclusion
• In what is a very challenging labour environment, recruits and trains employees, assign schedules, and develops a network of required skillsets to ensure the operation is fully staffed during operating hours
• Constantly strives for excellence and improvement in all HR processes and programs
• Maintain data integrity and champion the collection of current meaningful HR data that supports business management and decisions
• Lead the development and implementation of HR initiatives and ensures compliance with all labour law and employment practices
• Implement and provide feedback to CEO on corporate HR practices
• Develop, implement, oversee recruitment and retention policies & programs
• Oversees the process for performance evaluations and compensation reviews,

Information Technology

• Establish a process to integrate client service and support quick resolution of customer issues and ensure such issues are resolved in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Leverage innovative technologies to enhance Paz Fuels capabilities
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to identify & support technology needs.
• Define a cybersecurity strategy and operating model that is aligned with Paz Fuels business objectives
• Execute vendor selections/relationships and contract negotiations where relevant; establish standards for performance. Ensure maximum returns on investments.
• Create an enterprise-wide information security plan that protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Paz Fuels proprietary and user information.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The successful candidate will possess most of the following qualities:

• A strategic thinker who understands how operations and finances support the broader mission of the organization
• A proven history of building a culture of performance and accountability, developing and maintaining partnership with staff, and building trust in foundational operational services and tools
• Decisive, focused, and curious, with the ability to challenge the status quo – prefers candid conversations while building a culture of trust and accountability
• Superior communication, presentation and influencing skills for a diverse group of stakeholders
• A true leader who can engage people, builds trusting relationships, inspires confidence, and enables innovation.
• A multi-tasker who is capable of staying focused in a very demanding, busy environment
• 10+ years of professional experience in operations and management in the: gas station, convenience store, automobile parts and services, transportation/logistics, and retail industries
• Exhibits sound judgement and a high degree of integrity and discretion.
• Experience in revenue development strategies, in the gas station, retail consumable and service industries
• Deep experience in managing teams, supporting cross-functional collaboration, developing staff, and setting clear goals
• Proficient at balancing, prioritizing, and delegating initiatives and tasks, and develop solutions where blueprints may not exist.

EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATIONS

• Under-graduate or post-graduate degree in Finance, Commerce, or related field
• MBA or advanced degree
• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, but an equivalent combination of education, training, and years of experience will be considered

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