Director of Operations – Cougar Den Inc.

Company Overview

Cougar Den Inc. is a dynamic, family-owned distributor with over 45 years of experience serving Indian Country. We provide our customers with gasoline, diesel, propane, DEF, oils, lubricants, and other petroleum products. With operate a regional fleet of trucks that serve our customer needs 24/7, we have a dedicated central office supporting billing, dispatch, a Safety & Compliance Officer, Yard Manager, and a proactive sales team. We deliver reliable, competitive, and compliant fuel solutions to tribal convenience stores, commercial clients, fleets, and retail operations. We are scaling operations and seeking a proven leader to optimize efficiency, ensure safety/compliance, drive growth, and support long-term business success.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations reports directly to the General Manager and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of fuel distribution, logistics, safety, compliance, and operational excellence. This management role leads a high-volume, 24/7 operation in a family-owned environment, focusing on operational efficiency and, process optimization, technology integration, team development, and strategic growth while upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate brings significant petroleum/fuel distribution experience and thrives in a values-driven, hands-on culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Fuel Supply Chain & Logistics: Oversee procurement, inventory management, pricing strategies, and multi-terminal sourcing to ensure reliable supply and competitive margins. Manage 24/7 dispatch, routing, and a truck fleet for on-time deliveries.
• Control Daily Operations: Direct central office functions (billing, dispatch), yard/terminal operations, maintenance, and retail fuel site support. Implement KPIs for efficiency, on-time performance, inventory accuracy, and cost control.
• Safety, Compliance & Risk Management: Champion a safety-first culture in partnership with the Safety & Compliance Officer. Ensure full adherence to EPA, DOT, OSHA, PHMSA, state fuel regulations, HAZMAT, and tribal/government contracting requirements. Oversee audits, training, spill prevention, and emergency response.
• Financial & Performance Management: Develop and manage operational budgets, P&L accountability, cost optimization, and vendor negotiations. Drive profitability through data-driven decisions, inventory reconciliation, and margin improvement.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and grow operations teams including dispatchers, drivers, yard staff, and support roles. Foster collaboration with the sales team to align operations with customer needs and business growth. Promote employee development, retention, and a positive culture aligned with family values.
• Technology & Process Improvement: Implement and optimize systems for real-time tank monitoring, fleet management, POS/inventory, routing software, and emerging AI/automation tools to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Vendor & Customer Relations: Negotiate and manage key supplier contracts while ensuring exceptional service to tribal, commercial, and retail customers.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in fuel/petroleum distribution, wholesale marketing, or high-volume logistics, preferably with multi-state or large-fleet operations.
• Proven success managing large fuel volumes (hundreds of millions of gallons), truck fleets, 24/7 dispatch, and regulatory compliance in the energy sector.
• Strong knowledge of fuel industry regulations, safety standards, supply chain dynamics, and best practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations, Logistics, or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability in cost optimization, process improvement (Lean/Six Sigma a plus), budgeting, and team leadership.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; experience in family-owned or tribal enterprises is highly valued.
• Willingness to travel throughout Washington from the greater Yakima area.
• Clean driving record and ability to pass background checks.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation: Base salary starting at $150,000.00 annually (DOE), plus a performance-based year-end bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, retirement plan with matching, company vehicle/fuel card, and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to direct operations in North America’s leading Tribal fuel distributor, supporting a mission-driven family and tribal business with significant scale and impact.
• Supportive culture focused on safety, integrity, community, employee growth, and long-term stability.
• Role in strategic initiatives like technology integration, expansion.

Pay: From $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person