General Manager

General Manager Job Posting

Prairie Food Co-op

Position Summary

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!

This is an onsite, store-based role with extensive public contact in a dynamic environment.

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.

Key Competencies and QualificationsThe successful candidate will have outstanding leadership skills in business and personnel management. Experience managing business environments that require innovation, an entrepreneurial spirit, and creative problem solving are especially valued. The chosen candidate will also have a commitment to create a culturally inclusive work and shopping environment reflective of the community.

• Strategic and systems-based thinking: ability and willingness to think strategically, set goals with measurable outcomes, and make revisions as needed;
• Proactive problem-solving: analyzes and diagnoses root causes of issues and make corrections;
• Adaptability: shows resilience and moves forward with changes as they arise;
• Team building and talent development: facilitates teams of employees to create a welcoming, trusting, and educational environment for learning and change;
• Financial management: knows the meaning of financial variables and how to place and interpret them in a business context; Ability to read, understand, prepare, interpret, and report on balance sheets, income and cash flow statements;
• Proven experience in revenue projections;
• Skilled in the use of office productivity software, financial management software (e.g.., MS software, Quickbooks, Google docs/spreadsheets);
• Experience with POS systems and inventory management;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Communicates effectively with multiple audiences using different formats and styles.

Schedule This position is a full-time, salaried position. Schedule will be flexible with the exception of scheduled meetings (including all Board of Directors meetings) and some daytime/evening/weekend availability where the GM’s attendance is required. In-store and management schedules will be determined and managed by the GM.