The Food Co-Op General Manager (‘GM') will integrate daily grocery store retail operations and financial management practices with the cooperative principles and values vital to our mission and Ends statements.
Our Mission
Prairie Food Co-op is a community-owned and democratically operated grocery store dedicated to strengthening our economy and creating a marketplace for transparently labeled, local, organic, and sustainable food.
Our Ends
- There is a community-owned grocery store in DuPage county that provides a welcoming, engaging, and inclusive food experience.
- Customers and owners have access to products from local, organic and fair-trade farmers and artisans, thereby supporting a broader food economy.
- Owners, customers, employees, and management can share a safe and respectful environment that fosters open communication and embodies the overall mission.
- The community has open access to ongoing educational programming related to the impact and benefits of supporting the food ecosystem.
- A vibrant gathering place, operated in a financially viable, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner, will be available for generations to come.
The GM will effectively act as the co-op's ‘CEO' through: structuring the retail operations of the community-owned grocery store; selecting and vetting all vendors/vendor management, product selection and inventory control; recruitment and staff training; introducing the co-op concept to the public at large; working with marketing to establish meaningful relationships that drive business success and community engagement. The GM should have the entrepreneurial drive, outgoing personality, and team leadership skills to motivate and encourage staff to provide an enjoyable and inclusive customer experience, and be able to address the concerns and needs of a wide group of stakeholders via budgeting & forecasting using a pro-forma, strategic planning, Board reporting and Owner engagement. Our ideal candidate loves food, aligns with the cooperative values and is a customer service superstar!
Key Responsibilities
Financial and Planning
- Develop and recommend to Board long-and short-range plans for success.
- Develop operating, cash, and capital budgets for Board approval; interpret financial information for laypeople.
- Direct all financial operations of the cooperative.
- Investigate new products and services opportunities.
- Provide information to the Board in a timely manner.
- Participate in regional and national Co-op and industry events.
Operations
- Initially focus on optimal store layout, flow and décor and contract with vendors, distributors, and local providers for opening inventory.
- Ensure a profitable, growing business.
- Maintain knowledge of natural foods retailing and industry trends.
- Identify and maintain appropriate relations with wholesale distributors, local markets, and other industry sources.
- Ensure the establishment and maintenance of a product mix that meets shopper/member needs.
- Plan and execute a margin strategy designed to be price competitive and maintain adequate profit for growth.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws regarding licenses, permits, health regulations, employment, etc.
Personnel
- Oversee compliance with PFC's personnel policies and update as needed.
- Hire, supervise and evaluate management staff, including taking disciplinary action as needed.
- Develop a staff organizational structure that promotes fair distribution of work while maintaining maximum service to customers.
- Prepare a yearly payroll budget that meets operating budget constraints.
- Ensure a safe, inclusive, healthy workplace for employees.
- Ensure adequate training of staff.
Marketing
Limited responsibilities initially as-needed support for current Ownership & Outreach/Communications Committees until further notice but may include any of the following:
- Develop an advertising, marketing, and community outreach strategy to increase public awareness of PFC's products and services.
- Execute the advertising and marketing plan within budgetary guidelines.
- Aggressively communicate information about the business to the membership through newsletter, social media and an annual report.
- Prepare or oversee store displays, signage, and other promotions to maximize marketing impact.
Perform other duties assigned by the Board of Directors.
Experience in grocery retail management required. Experience in the natural foods industry, independent grocery stores, and/or cooperative strongly preferred.
Prairie Food Coop is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Shift:
Work Location: In person
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