Director of Operations

Colours, Inc.; Keller (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Colours, Inc. is seeking a hands-on Director of Operations to lead Midwest retail store operations across Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and surrounding markets. You will drive exceptional customer service, optimize store performance, and ensure consistent standards across locations.

This role partners with inventory, sales, and finance to manage budgets, stock levels, and staff development while guiding store managers and associates toward operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field.
• 5+ years in progressive retail or multi-location operations.
• Experience leading store-level teams and budgets.
• Experience with inventory management and customer service.
• Automotive or coatings distribution industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for retail store operations across multiple locations.
• Champion customer service excellence and ensure consistency in service quality.
• Oversee store presentation, merchandising, and product visibility.
• Partner with inventory management to optimize stock and minimize shrinkage.
• Develop and manage operating budgets and control expenses.
• Ensure compliance with policies, safety requirements, and regulations.
• Analyze sales KPIs and feedback to drive improvements.
• Coach store managers and associates to strengthen leadership.
• Collaborate with other departments for aligned operations.
• Manage vendor relationships to ensure quality service.
• Support receivables management and customer relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-location management

Budgeting

Inventory management

Customer service

Analytics

Training & development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Job description

Description

Colours, Inc. is a leading distributor of automotive and industrial coatings, providing high-quality products, training, and service to customers across the region. We pride ourselves on reliable delivery, technical expertise, and a commitment to helping our customers succeed.

We are looking for a hands-on Director of Operations who will be responsible for our store operations in the Midwest territory that Colours serves; Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and surrounding markets.

Position Summary:

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Colours, Inc. retail locations, ensuring exceptional customer service, strong operational performance, and consistency across stores. This position provides strategic leadership and direction to store operations while supporting sales, inventory management, employee development, and overall operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for retail store operations, including staffing, scheduling, and overall store performance.
• Champion a culture of customer service excellence and ensure employees are equipped to provide an exceptional customer experience.
• Oversee store presentation and merchandising standards to support product visibility and sales opportunities.
• Partner with inventory management to maintain appropriate inventory levels, minimize shrinkage, and support accurate stock replenishment.
• Develop and manage store operating budgets while controlling expenses and maintaining service and operational standards.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Analyze sales, customer feedback, and operational KPIs to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Coach and develop store managers and associates to strengthen performance, accountability, and leadership capabilities.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration between Store Operations and other departments.
• Manage third-party vendor and service-provider relationships to ensure quality and service expectations are met.
• Support receivables management by monitoring customer account activity, minimizing bad debt risk, and maintaining positive customer relationships.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, customer service, and overall store performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• Five (5) years of progressive retail, operations, or multi-location management experience.
• Previous leadership experience overseeing multiple locations and/or store managers preferred.
• Experience managing operational performance, budgets, inventory, customer service, and employee performance.
• Automotive, coatings, distribution, or related industry experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as required.

Key Competencies:

• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and people-management capabilities.
• Comprehensive understanding of retail and multi-location operations.
• Sound business acumen with the ability to analyze operational and financial performance.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and drive accountability across locations.
• Customer-focused approach with an emphasis on building and maintaining positive relationships.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across departments and all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and adapt to company systems and technology.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while performing computer-based work.
• Ability to move throughout retail store and warehouse environments as needed.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel between company locations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, customers, vendors and other business partners.
• Regular travel is required to store locations. Additional travel may be necessary based on operational and business needs.