GENERAL MANAGER

About the role

The General Manager provides overall leadership for the organization by carrying out the Vision, Mission, Cooperative Principles, Strategic Plans, and Goals established by the Board of Directors and outlined in the Cooperative’s Bylaws. The role is responsible for ensuring the long-term financial health, operational success, and community impact of the cooperative.

Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Develop and recommend long- and short-range strategic plans aligned with cooperative priorities
• Prepare and manage annual operating and capital budgets
• Report regularly to the Board on financial performance and operational results
• Maintain budget performance and provide financial analysis
• Approve capital expenditures within approved budgets
• Career financing initiatives and negotiate with financial institutions
• Oversee capital structure, working capital levels, and banking relationships

• Store Operations

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, licenses, and health requirements
• Oversee adherence to product standards and purchasing guidelines
• Maintain facilities, equipment, and infrastructure
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships for building and equipment improvements
• Ensure appropriate insurance coverage and risk management
• Maintain security of facilities, inventory, and assets
• Stay informed on trends and developments in the natural foods and cooperative grocery industry

• Marketing & Sales Leadership

• Oversee development of marketing and advertising strategies
• Establish storewide sales and customer service goals
• Ensure pricing strategies balance value, margin, and marketing objectives
• Guide merchandising and store layout improvements
• Maintain positive relationships with local businesses and community partners

• Owner & Community Engagement

• Present regularly at Owner meetings
• Prepare the General Manager report for the newsletter and Annual Report
• Provide opportunities for owner input and engagement
• Respond to owner feedback and requests
• Oversee owner programs and outreach initiatives
• Ensure proper management of owner share purchases and records
• Represent the Co-op at community events and functions

• Management Team Leadership

• Define and maintain the organizational structure of the management team
• Hire and supervise department managers
• Facilitate management meetings and collaborative decision-making
• Foster cooperation and trust among leaders and employees
• Ensure departments maintain appropriate staffing and training levels
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and formal performance evaluations
• Establish performance objectives aligned with strategic plans
• Promote a culture of learning, education, and professional development

• People & Culture

• Ensure a safe and healthy workplace
• Oversee development and implementation of equitable personnel policies
• Ensure compliance with employment policies and labor regulations
• Oversee hiring, evaluation, and development of management staff
• Approve compensation adjustments beyond standard hourly increases
• Maintain clear job descriptions and evaluation processes

• Board of Directors Partnership

• Carry out Board policies and directives
• Provide information and insights to support Board decision-making
• Serve as the primary communication liaison between the Board, management, and employees
• Attend Board meetings, Finance Committee meetings, and other meetings as requested
• Support Board orientation and governance education

Qualifications

• Communication Skills

• Ability to communicate complex information clearly in written and verbal formats
• Experience presenting to leadership groups and teams

• Financial Acumen

• Understanding of financial statements, reports, and budgeting
• Ability to forecast and interpret financial performance

• Analytical Thinking

• Ability to evaluate complex situations involving multiple variables
• Strong prioritization and decision-making skills

• Technical Skills

• Proficiency with common office software including spreadsheets, word processing, and email systems