2026 Star Women in Convenience winner: Jessica C. Panfili
Jessica C. Panfili
Director, pricing, billing and training
Harnois Énergies
How did you get into this business?
During my university studies, I developed a strong interest in SMEs, particularly family-owned businesses and their evolution. This naturally led me to Harnois Énergies, whose family values and regional roots strongly resonated with me. I joined the company nearly 10 years ago as a pricing centre coordinator.
What do you like most about your job?
To work for a company that is constantly evolving towards new projects. It’s dynamic, it changes, it drives me every day to be better and improve. I feel privileged to have been part of this expansion and to have to work with incredible leaders.
Biggest career challenge?
Managing the Price Centre during the pandemic. Amid temporary layoffs, unclear directives, a climate of uncertainty and fear, as well as having a toddler at home, I had a critical responsibility. The sharp decline in fuel prices generated a significant workload for my team, who had to operate with an outdated system. However, this experience ultimately served as a catalyst to improve our processes and accelerate the implementation of the necessary technological solutions.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
When I began my career in human resources, I had a manager who consistently sought my input, involved me in all meetings and included me in her decision-making process even if I didn’t have any experience. As a manager, I strongly believe that decision-making should not occur in isolation. It requires collaboration, providing your team with visibility and opportunities to contribute and excel when appropriate. This is the approach I continue to apply in my own leadership.
Career highlight?
The development of the individuals on my team, creating opportunities for them and witnessing their growth. Ensuring the right person is placed in the right role, offering internships or entry-level opportunities to students to provide a meaningful first experience. Establishing the appropriate framework to support their growth, taking the time to develop emerging talent and guiding them are all actions that contribute to preparing the leaders of tomorrow.
Nomination highlights
Since joining Harnois Énergies in 2016 as a price coordinator, Jessica Panfiili has advanced to director of pricing, billing and training through her ability to operations, lead teams and drive meaningful transformation across the business. She has successfully led several major initiatives, including the development of an in-house price survey application and the modernization of pricing processes through PDI Fuel Pricing. Her work has significantly improved efficiency, accuracy and operational consistency across the organization. Today, she oversees pricing for more than 30,000 convenience products, manages EDI billing tied to over $220 million in annual purchases and leads a multidisciplinary team supporting training, pricing and supplier integration. She is also spearheading the launch of a large-scale initiative designed for the training and development of more than 2,000 service-station employees. Beyond her operational leadership, she is known for fostering a supportive, people-first culture through mentorship, employee and community involvement.
Click here for a full list of the 2026 Star Women in Convenience winners
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