Entry Level Research And Development Jobs in Connecticut

Job Title: Associate District Development Manager
Reports To: Regional Manager, Wholesale
Job Overview
The Associate District Development Manager (ADDM) is an entry-level leadership development role designed to provide hands-on exposure to retail fuel operations, dealer relationships, field execution, branding standards, pricing fundamentals, and operational support within Petroleum Marketing Group's wholesale business. Working closely with experienced District Development Managers and Regional Leadership, the ADDM supports operational and dealer-facing activities across assigned markets while developing the skills necessary for future advancement into a District Development Manager role.
The position initially emphasizes extensive field training, travel, ride-alongs, cross-functional exposure, and project support. As development progresses, the Associate District Development Manager may be assigned a smaller developmental territory or selected group of locations with increasing responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Field Operations & Site Execution
• Assist with maintaining a consistent field presence across assigned locations while learning operational standards, dealer support practices, and company expectations.
• Participate in site visits, inspections, audits, and operational reviews alongside District Development Managers and Regional Leadership.
• Support compliance with brand image, cleanliness, safety, merchandising, environmental, and operational standards.
• Observe and assist with monitoring fuel equipment functionality, maintenance coordination, inventory controls, and overall site conditions.
• Assist with execution of company initiatives, branding programs, store resets, image projects, and operational improvement efforts.
Dealer Development & Relationship Support
• Support dealer relationships through regular site visits, operational follow-up, and communication with dealers under the guidance of senior leadership.
• Participate in dealer onboarding, training, transitions, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Assist with dealer recruiting efforts, competitive market research, and new business development activities.
• Develop an understanding of dealer operations, customer service expectations, merchandising standards, and site-level execution.
• Support follow-up activities related to operational concerns, compliance matters, and dealer requests.
Financial, Market & Business Development Exposure
• Learn and assist with analysis of fuel pricing, margins, accounts receivable, inventory controls, and district performance metrics.
• Develop an understanding of retail fuel economics, competitive market conditions, site profitability drivers, and operational trends.
• Participate in competitive market surveys, pricing observations, and local market evaluations.
• Assist with special projects including rebrands, acquisitions, conversions, branding initiatives, and operational transition activities.
Compliance, Training & Leadership Development
• Assist with compliance monitoring related to Motor Fuel Supply Agreements (MFSA), branded programs, company policies, and operational standards.
• Participate in structured field training, ride-alongs, cross-functional exposure, and leadership development activities.
• Coordinate with internal departments including pricing, accounting, maintenance, marketing, operations, and brand partners.
• Support documentation, reporting, and administrative follow-up related to field operations and dealer support activities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, communication skills, accountability, initiative, and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced field environment.
Accountability
• Support company objectives related to operational execution, brand standards, dealer support, and field compliance.
• Maintain professionalism and represent the company positively during all dealer, customer, and field interactions.
• Accurately complete assigned operational, reporting, and administrative responsibilities.
Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Management, Marketing, or related field preferred; equivalent operational or industry experience considered.
• Prior experience in retail, convenience store operations, petroleum marketing, customer service, hospitality, field operations, or related industries preferred.
• Recent college graduates, existing store managers, assistant managers, industry professionals, and other high-potential candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Strong communication, leadership potential, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn, travel extensively, and work in a field-based operational environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and operational reporting systems preferred.
Physical & Travel Requirements
• Extensive travel throughout assigned markets and territories should be expected during the training and developmental period, including periodic overnight travel as business needs require.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and travel regularly between assigned locations.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, move, and transport materials, equipment, supplies, signage, and marketing materials associated with field operations and branding activities.
• Ability to perform field inspections and move throughout retail and fueling locations, including indoor and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions.
Location Varies - Geography includes Connecticut and Massachusetts