Director of Staff and Operations - Liquor Stores USA North Inc.

Position Overview:

The Director of Staff and Operations is a senior-leadership role responsible for the performance of people, stores, and systems within Liquor Stores USA North, Inc (LSUN).  This role combines executive-level operational leadership with staff oversight to ensure store teams are well-staffed, well-trained, compliant, and operating efficiently.

In addition to operational oversight, this role shapes LSUN's workplace culture through training, communication, and operational practices.  By improving clarity, support, and consistency at the store level, the Director of Staff and Operations plays a critical role in employee performance, retention, and engagement.

This position directly supervises Multi-Unit Managers, the Store Support Specialist, and the Recruiting Specialist. The Director of Staff and Operations serves as the primary link between corporate strategy and store execution, ensuring that standards, policies, and initiatives are consistently implemented across the organization.

The ideal candidate is a results-driven leader with strong business acumen, experience managing people at scale, and a pragmatic approach to staff management that supports accountability and results.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Culture

• Directly supervise Multi-Unit Managers, providing coaching, performance management, and accountability for store execution
• Set standards for how store leadership manages their teams, communicates priorities, and reinforces company values and standards
• Partner with the President and Vice President to define and reinforce LSUN’s operational culture, including standards for professionalism, customer service, and accountability
• Drive employee retention by improving the day-to-day employee experience through strong leadership practices, operational clarity, and support
• Identify friction points within operations and work to address them through training, structure, or process changes.
• Conduct regular meetings with business units and leadership to align people strategy with operational goals

Recruiting, Retention, and Training

• Own recruiting strategy and administrative execution for the organization, with a focus on quality and retention
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve training programs for store teams and managers
• Identify training needs at both the individual and organizational level and ensure training objectives are met
• Support leadership development and targeted coaching initiatives to strengthen management capability

Staff Management and Compliance

• Provide guidance on performance management, corrective action, employee relations, and career development
• Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues in conjunction with HR, to include conducting thorough and objective investigations
• Maintain knowledge of employment laws and regulatory requirements, partnering with Legal and HR, as needed to mitigate risk
• Ensure consistent interpretation and application of HR policies and procedures
• Oversee HRIS reporting, metrics, and trend analysis related to turnover, overtime, engagement, and workforce performance

Operational Oversight and Execution

• Partner with the Vice President in executive oversight of store operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and compliance with company standards.
• Lead cross-functional coordination with Finance, Legal, and HR as the operational representative.
• Review and approve operational communications to stores, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment.
• Partner with the Vice President and Legal to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal licensing and regulatory requirements.
• Lead or support initiatives focused on process improvement, cost control, and operational effectiveness.
• Utilize technology and data to improve store-level execution and support team efficiency.
• Create, review, and distribute operational and people-related reports, including overtime, attendance, and turnover data

Strategic and External Engagement

• Participate in annual budgeting efforts in collaboration with leadership and key stakeholders
• Provide input on legislative, regulatory, and community matters impacting store operations
• Serve as a corporate representative in internal and external discussions related to operations and people strategy

 Experience and Qualifications:

• Experience in retail operations, multi-unit management, or related leadership roles
• Proven experience managing both direct and indirect teams
• Demonstrated success leading operational initiatives and workforce-focused programs
• Knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and regulatory compliance
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; additional education or certifications preferred
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and business systems such as D365 or POS platforms
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation; some travel required
• Ability to pass a background check

Equal Opportunity Employer
Afognak Native Corporation and Afognak’s direct and indirect subsidiaries, partnerships, joint ventures and affiliates to include Alutiiq, LLC;  Afognak Commercial Group, LLC; Alutiiq Professional Consulting, LLC; and each of their respective domestic and foreign, direct and indirect subsidiaries, partnerships, joint ventures and affiliates including but not limited to Liquor Stores USA North Inc. dba Brown Jug and dba Gold Rush Liquor (collectively referred to as “Afognak” or “Company”)  is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of  actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws (collectively, “Protected Status”).

Pay Transparency and Company Benefits
The pay range information provided is a general guideline. The pay rate offered will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications, as well as geographic locations, market data, and other business considerations, as permitted by law. Our full range of benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability protection, life insurance, prescription coverage, voluntary benefits, paid leave, and 401(k) retirement. Benefits are based on the role for which an employee is hired.

Privacy
Afognak Native Corporation and its subsidiaries Alutiiq, LLC, Afognak Commercial Group, LLC, and Alutiiq Professional Consulting, LLC, and their various subsidiaries, including Liquor Stores USA North Inc. DBA Brown Jug and Liquor Stores USA North Inc. DBA Gold Rush Liquor” (collectively referred to as “Afognak” or “Company”), respect your privacy and treat the information you provide us, including your Personal Information (“PI”) and Sensitive Personal Information (“SPI”), with care. Visit the Company's privacy website for more information.