Director of Transformation

About the role

Applegreen is seeking a Director of Transformation to lead value creation initiatives across our US Travel Plaza business. This new role reports to the Chief Growth Officer and is accountable for driving structured EBITDA improvement through a balanced portfolio of cost optimization and revenue growth initiatives, embedded across a multi-site operating environment.

As a senior leader, the successful candidate will own critical transformation workstreams, lead the transformation office, and partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Operations, Finance, and Procurement to deliver measurable performance improvement. This hybrid role requires at least 3 days per week in our Glen Rock, NJ office.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Value Creation
  • Lead and deliver structured EBITDA-driving initiatives with an equal focus on cost optimization and revenue growth.
  • Identify, prioritize, and execute high-impact value levers across operations, commercial, and support functions.
  • Develop clear value creation plans with measurable targets, timelines, and accountability.
  • Track and report realized benefits, ensuring initiatives translate to sustained P&L impact.
• Procurement & Cost Optimization
  • Drive cost improvement initiatives across key spend categories including GNFR/Indirect Procurement, consumables, repair & maintenance, and utilities.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders and suppliers to unlock margin opportunities and improve supplier performance.
  • Introduce structured sourcing, benchmarking, and demand management practices where appropriate.
  • Act as the organization’s key transformation resource with deep procurement-led value creation expertise.
• Transformation Office Leadership
  • Lead the Transformation Office, ensuring effective governance, prioritization, and execution across all initiatives.
  • Own and drive transformational workstreams, ensuring delivery against agreed milestones and financial outcomes.
  • Establish and run monthly Steering Committees, providing clear progress updates, risk visibility, and decision support.
• Pricing & Commercial Execution
  • Lead the pricing agenda across food and retail, working in close partnership with the VP of Commercial.
  • Drive design and execution of pricing strategies, including price optimization, elasticity analysis, and promotional effectiveness.
  • Ensure consistent implementation and tracking of pricing initiatives across the estate.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance revenue, margin, and customer value.

Requirements

• Strong track record in value creation, transformation, or performance improvement in a multi-site or distributed business.
• Deep understanding of cost drivers, margin levers, and operational performance metrics.
• Experience leading cross-functional transformation programs with measurable financial outcomes.
• Advanced analytical capability, including financial modelling and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to foster a disciplined, performance-driven transformation culture across the business.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and driving change across complex environments.
• Proven ability to operate at both strategic and executional levels.
• Collaborative and influential, with the ability to align diverse stakeholders around common goals.
• Excellent communication skills, including experience preparing materials for executive audiences.
• High level of ownership, pace, and delivery focus in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent project management skills and ability to independently manage multiple projects.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
• 5-7 years’ experience in transformation, project management, operational strategy, or value creation roles.
• Background in leading consulting firms strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering tangible EBITDA impact.
• Experience in travel, retail, foodservice, hospitality, or multi-unit operations preferred.
• Exposure to procurement-driven transformation or cost programs highly desirable.

Benefits

• Hybrid position with three days per week in the Glen Rock, NJ office and two days per week remote.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Paid Time Off.
• 401(k) with Company Match.
• 20% Annual Bonus.
• Earned Wage Access – Pay on Demand.
• Education Assistance.
• Employee Referral Bonus.
• Pet Insurance.

About Applegreen

Applegreen is a leading roadside retailer operating high-quality travel plazas and service areas in the US, Ireland, and the UK. Founded on a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer experience, Applegreen combines fuel, convenience retail, and a diverse portfolio of food and beverage offerings to create welcoming destinations for customers. In the U.S., Applegreen partners with major transportation authorities and operates more than 100 service plazas along some of the country’s busiest highways and turnpikes.

Our core values define who we are and guide how we work every day: putting customers and communities at the heart of everything we do, valuing and developing our people, being driven by pace, passion, and performance, and seeking opportunities while embracing change.