Vice President of Retail Operations

At Fusion Recruiters, we partner with organizations that are making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve — and this opportunity is no exception. We’re excited to support a highly respected, multi-state farm & ranch retailer in their search for a transformational Vice President of Retail Operations to join their leadership team in the Pacific Northwest.

*This is a hybrid position with ~50% travel to store locations. Candidates should reside within commuting distance or be open to relocation.

With 28 retail locations across Oregon, Washington, and California — and ambitious plans to grow to 40 stores by 2030 — this organization is investing in the future while staying true to its mission-driven roots and strong community values.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the VP of Retail Operations is a key member of the senior leadership team and is accountable for the operational performance, culture, customer experience, and field leadership effectiveness across all store locations.  This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact within an organization that values collaboration, authenticity, innovation, and service to its customers and communities.

What You'll Do

• Lead the operational performance, culture, customer experience, and field leadership effectiveness across the organization’s multi-state retail footprint
• Partner closely with Marketing, Merchandising, Human Resources, and Finance to drive consistent execution, operational excellence, and sustainable long-term growth
• Lead and develop a highly experienced field leadership organization, including oversight of three District Managers and their respective geographic regions
• Evaluate and modernize store operating models, labor strategies, operational workflows, technology adoption, and infrastructure to improve efficiency and scalability
• Drive operational transformation initiatives, including the organization’s anticipated implementation of a new ERP platform within the next five years
• Leverage store-level P&Ls, labor models, shrink trends, operational scorecards, and customer experience metrics to drive accountability and data-informed decision making
• Oversee key operational functions including store performance, labor management, shrink and loss prevention, grooming services, outside sales programs, operational compliance, customer experience, facilities, and construction
• Build trust, alignment, and organizational confidence through thoughtful change management and highly visible, hands-on leadership
• Spend meaningful time across the store footprint, employees, and customers, with approximately 50% travel expected
• Lead with authenticity, humility, and respect while developing field leadership capabilities and strengthening the organization’s culture and operational effectiveness

What You'll Bring

• Proven executive-level retail operations leadership experience within customer-centric, multi-unit, farm & ranch retail organizations
• Strong operational and financial acumen, including experience managing store-level P&Ls, labor models, shrink reduction, loss prevention, and performance scorecards
• Demonstrated experience driving operational transformation, workforce optimization, process improvement, and technology-enabled operational enhancements
• Ability to balance strategic leadership and operational rigor with strong emotional intelligence, approachability, and a people-first leadership style
• Experience developing and elevating field leadership teams within growing retail organizations
• Strong change management capabilities and the ability to build trust and buy-in across all levels of an organization
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence across functions and align stakeholders around common goals
• A hands-on, customer-centric leadership approach and willingness to spend significant time in stores alongside employees and customers
• Low-ego, authentic, humble leadership style with a strong commitment to accountability, team development, and organizational values
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, Operations, or a related field preferred; MBA a plus

Preferred Experience

• Experience leading operational growth initiatives within expanding retail footprints, particularly scaling regional organizations into broader multi-state operations while maintaining consistency, culture, and customer experience standards
• Experience within farm & ranch retail, agriculture, outdoor, home improvement, rural lifestyle, feed, pet, or other adjacent consumer-focused industries
• Familiarity with Pacific Northwest consumer dynamics, rural markets, and agricultural communities
• Experience overseeing or partnering closely with outside sales programs, livestock and pet supply initiatives, grooming services, or other field-based customer engagement programs
• Experience evaluating and implementing retail operating models, workforce optimization strategies, and technology-enabled operational improvements
• Experience supporting new store development, remodel programs, facilities oversight, construction initiatives, or related infrastructure projects
• Exposure to vendor-supported programs, co-branded initiatives, and strategic vendor partnerships, particularly within agricultural, feed, pet nutrition, or rural retail sectors
• Experience partnering across Merchandising, Marketing, Operations, and Customer Experience to create differentiated in-store experiences and sustainable customer loyalty
• Familiarity with ERP implementation, operational technology adoption, or enterprise-wide transformation initiatives

Why You'll Love Working Here

Our client offers a collaborative and purpose-driven environment where leaders are empowered to make a meaningful impact. As a farmer-owned cooperative, the organization is deeply committed to serving its customers, employees, and local communities while investing in innovation and future growth.

Highlights include:

• Competitive executive compensation package, including base salary and annual incentive opportunity
• Opportunity to shape and lead a significant operational transformation and modernization initiative
• High-visibility role reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team
• Ability to influence enterprise-wide strategy, store operations, culture, and long-term growth plans
• Hybrid work environment with flexibility and strong leadership support
• Mission-driven culture grounded in collaboration, authenticity, humility, and community impact

Take the Next Step

If you're a strategic and hands-on retail operations leader who thrives on developing people, improving performance, leading change, and creating exceptional customer experiences, we'd love to connect. Apply through Fusion Recruiters today to start a conversation about how your experience and aspirations align with this exciting opportunity.