Chief Operating Officer - Retail

United Petroleum; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 300,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

United Petroleum is seeking a commercially astute Chief Operating Officer – Retail to lead the performance of our national retail and convenience network. This pivotal executive role drives end-to-end operational and financial outcomes across 400+ sites, translating strategy into profitable growth and outstanding customer experience at scale.

The role requires a hands-on leader with extensive fuels or related-sector experience, proven multi-site P&L leadership, and the ability to mobilise large

Qualifications

• Experience leading large-scale multi-site retail operations in fuels or related sectors.
• Proven track record of managing complex P&L across a nationwide network.
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic execution capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimise performance of a national retail and convenience network (400+ sites).
• Deliver full P&L accountability across Retail and Convenience operations.
• Drive like-for-like sales growth and lead a large, dispersed workforce.
• Ensure high standards in customer experience, safety, and site execution.
• Oversee expansion, supplier logistics, and cost management in line with budgets.

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L management

Retail operations

Franchise/commission models

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Management

Job description

• Lead Performance of National Retail and Convenience business
• National Role

United Petroleum is an Independent, Australian-owned fuel and convenience company delivering premium fuels and competitive pricing Nationwide. We are one of the country’s largest privately owned fuel retailers.

• High Impact Leadership role
• Lead Performance of National Retail and Convenience business
• National Role

United Petroleum is an Independent, Australian-owned fuel and convenience company delivering premium fuels and competitive pricing Nationwide. We are one of the country’s largest privately owned fuel retailers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a commercially astute and operationally driven Chief Operating Officer – Retail to lead the performance of our National Retail and Convenience business.

This is a pivotal executive role responsible for end-to-end operational and financial performance across a large, complex, multi-site network. Reporting at the highest levels of the organisation, you will play a critical role in translating strategy into tangible outcomes—driving profitability, operational excellence, and an outstanding customer experience at scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and optimise the performance of a National retail network of 400+ sites
• Deliver full P&L accountability across Retail and Convenience operations
• Drive like-for-like sales growth above industry benchmarks
• Lead and develop a large, multi-layered operational workforce
• Embed a high-performance culture across employees and Commission Agents
• Ensure excellence in retail standards, customer experience, and site execution
• Oversee fuel supply, scheduling, and logistics to maximise efficiency and prevent stockouts
• Manage operating costs including wages, rent, and maintenance in line with budget
• Identify and uplift underperforming sites through targeted improvement strategies
• Lead retailer recruitment, onboarding, training, and compliance programs
• Drive innovation and growth within the convenience retail offering
• Ensure full compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
• Oversee network expansion, site openings, and closures

About You

You are an experienced Senior Executive with a strong track record of leading large-scale, multi-site retail operations within the fuel or related industries.

You bring

• Extensive experience in fuels or a closely aligned sector
• Proven success managing complex P&Ls in high-volume environments
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic mindset
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, geographically dispersed teams
• A hands-on leadership style with the ability to execute at pace
• Experience working with franchise or commission-based retail models (highly regarded)
• Tertiary qualifications in business, management, or a related discipline (preferred)

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a high-growth, agile organisation that embraces innovation and change
• Play a key role in shaping the future direction and strategy of the business
• Build and lead a high performing team
• Broaden your experience by gaining exposure to a wide range of business functions