Job Title: Director of Convenience
ABOUT NORTH SUN ENERGY
North Sun Energy is a co-ownership business between North Atlantic and Petro-Canada in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and PEI. With a combined 110 gas stations and convenience stores across the three provinces (some under the Petro-Canada brand and some under the North Atlantic brand), this collaboration enhances Petro-Canada’s national coast-to-coast network and extends North Atlantic’s presence into Nova Scotia and PEI. Customers across the region now benefit from an expanded range of loyalty rewards, including Petro-Canada’s Petro-Points™ program, Triangle Rewards® and North Atlantic’s Yay! ™ Rewards program, in addition to experiencing the celebrated Orangestore convenience store brand located at many of the sites.
North Sun Energy is focused on optimizing long term value and growth through strategic development initiatives, expansion efforts, and enhanced customer experiences.
Position Overview
The Director of Convenience is responsible for the overall performance and growth of the convenience retail business, including sales, gross margin, category strategy, merchandising execution, and customer experience. This role will lead innovation across the convenience offer and drive continuous improvement in product mix, pricing strategy, and store-level execution. Additionally, the role will have accountability for carwash sales performance and integration into the broader convenience value proposition.
The Director of Convenience is a key member of the leadership team, working cross-functionally with Operations, Foodservice, Marketing, and Development to deliver sustainable growth and enhanced customer value.
Responsibilities
Financial Performance & Accountability
· Own and deliver convenience sales and gross margin performance across the network
· Develop and execute strategies to drive:
o Same-store sales growth
o Margin expansion
o Basket size and transaction growth
· Establish and monitor KPIs, scorecards, and performance reporting
Category Management & Merchandising
· Lead end-to-end category management strategy, including:
o Product assortment
o Pricing strategy
o Promotional planning
o Vendor partnerships and negotiations
· Optimize category mix to shift toward higher-margin, growth categories
· Oversee planograms, space allocation, and in-store merchandising standards
· Drive data-informed decisions using sales, margin, and customer insights
Innovation & Offer Development
· Lead innovation in the convenience offer, including:
o New products
o Private label opportunities
o Seasonal and promotional programs
· Identify emerging consumer trends and translate into actionable programs
· Test and scale new concepts across pilot locations
· Partner closely with Foodservice on integrated offers (e.g., combo offers, bundled promotions)
Carwash Strategy & Sales Growth
· Own carwash sales strategy and performance
· Drive:
o Volume growth (wash counts)
o Membership / subscription programs
o Bundled offers with fuel and convenience purchases
· Work with Operations to ensure consistency in service quality and uptime
· Identify expansion opportunities as part of broader network strategy
Cross-Functional Leadership
· Partner with:
o Operations: execution at store level and operational compliance
o Marketing: promotions, loyalty programs, and brand positioning
o Foodservice: integrated customer offers and traffic-driving initiatives
o Development: layout optimization and new site design (convenience + carwash integration)
· Ensure alignment between strategy and in-store execution
Vendor & Supplier Management
· Lead strategic relationships with key suppliers
· Negotiate terms, promotions, and rebates to maximize profitability
· Ensure strong execution of national and regional vendor programs
Team Leadership & Capability Building
· Build and lead a high-performing team
· Establish clear performance expectations and accountability structures
· Develop internal capability in:
o Category analytics
o Merchandising excellence
o Commercial decision-making
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, or related field.
- 10+ years experience within leadership in retail, convenience, or consumer goods, with strong exposure to category management and merchandising
- Background in convenience, grocery, QSR, or fuel retail strongly preferred
- Proven track record of delivering sales and margin growth
- Strong commercial acumen and data-driven decision-making capability
- Experience in multi-site retail environments is an asset
- Ability to proactively identify and address issues impacting project budgets and critical paths.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a strong attention to detail.
- Exceptional teamwork and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to prioritize effectively.
- Experience with Microsoft office suite and project planning software.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Willingness to travel regularly to job sites.
North Sun Energy is committed to Employment Equity. Accommodations during the recruitment process are available upon request for candidates with disabilities.
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package which include Health and Dental, Wellness Program Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Life Insurance Company Pension Plan with employer contribution Employee and Family Assistance Program Free on-site parking Employee engagement activities
If you are a highly motivated team player, have the qualifications, and are prepared to meet the challenges as outlined, apply by submitting your resume and cover letter.
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
