General Manager

Position: General Manager
Status: Exempt, Salaried ($75,000-$95,000)
Hours: Full Time
Reports to: Board of Directors
MISSION
Co-op Market Grocery & Deli works for health and sustainability by providing healthful foods and
products, promoting local suppliers, and offering consumer education in an open, community
centered environment, through a viable business.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The General Manager is responsible for the store’s operations. Our co-op uses the Policy
Governance model of management. This means that the General Manager reports to our board
of directors, which is elected by the Owners of the co-op. The board sets policies that define the
expectations and responsibilities of the General Manager.
The General Manager operates within the co-op’s ends and executive limitations to manage the
business for the benefit of Owners, employees, and the community, ensuring that all store
operations embody the Seven Cooperative Principles. The General Manager has the authority to
oversee and lead the store management team, create all in-store policies and procedures, and
authorize all contracts, so long as these actions are demonstrably consistent with a reasonable
interpretation of board policy.
The General Manager’s performance will be evaluated through systematic and rigorous
monitoring of expectations established in policies set by the board of directors. These policies
include
• asset protection
• financial conditions
• business planning and financial budgeting
• staff treatment and compensation
• treatment of consumers
• membership equity and benefits
• communication and support to the board
• board logistical support
• emergency management succession
A full set of board policies is available upon request.
DUTIES
Financial Accountability
• Establishes operating and capital budgets within the proper timeframe.
• Demonstrates effective budget control.
• Provides monthly financial reports to the board.
• Controls cash flow to ensure regular discounting of bills, enhance purchasing power,
meet all obligations when due, and meet all commitments.
• Measures and evaluates department performance and revenue generation to ensure the
appropriate contribution to total financial performance.
• Ensures the highest level of credit standing.
• Maintains necessary financial records.
Operations
• Develops policies and procedures to achieve operational excellence.
• Maintains pricing policies to achieve margin and profitability goals.
• Ensures that our customers have a superlative shopping experience by providing high
quality goods and services, local and organic products, and outstanding customer
service from well-trained, educated, and motivated employees.
• Ensures that all employees follow best practices for food safety and hygiene.
• Directs and supervises the store management team.
• Reviews achievement of performance and service standards, taking corrective action
when needed.
• Works with advertising and promotions staff to strategize the best outcomes for
outreach.
• Ensures emergency procedures are followed (e.g., theft, robbery, violence, harassment).
Personnel & Human Resources
• Responsible for the selection, employment, training, performance review, and discipline
of all staff.
• Supervises the development of pay and benefit programs, including processing payroll.
• Encourages employees’ involvement in generating new ideas, highlighting and resolving
existing problems, and identifying opportunities for improvement for sound policy
development.
• Maintains good working relationships with employees and is accessible and
approachable.
• Provides fair grievance procedures and clearly communicates them to team leaders and
managers.
• Oversees the establishment and maintenance of training programs for job performance,
safe working environment, and job advancement.
• Follows storewide expectations, policies, and procedures as set out in the employee
handbook. Regularly reviews the handbook and ensures that edits and additions are
done promptly.
• Ensures that the co-op meets local, state, and federal regulations regarding wages,
hours, and working conditions.
Board Relations
• Attends all monthly board meetings and finance committee meetings.
• Submits for board approval the outcomes related to the board's overall policies,
objectives, and metrics.
• Provides the board with financial and operational reports as required and/or requested.
• Oversees and coordinates the implementation of board policies.
• Provides information to the board within the required time frame.
• Presents materials and ideas to the board effectively and with proper documentation.
• Demonstrates openness to questions, suggestions, and constructive comments from the
board.
Owner and Community Relations
• Directs and maintains the business as a cooperative entity.
• Obtains necessary input from owners, stakeholders, and community connections about
products, services, and issues affecting the co-op.
• Establishes and maintains excellent owner relations.
• Establishes and maintains ongoing cooperative and consumer goods-related education
programs.
• Establishes and maintains positive cooperative profiles in the local community and
cooperative community.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with local food organizations and partners,
including local farms and other producers, and related community-based organizations.
• Provides education and support to local officials on matters related to regulations and
other policies regarding local and natural foods and products.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Ten or more years in business and personnel management in the grocery and/or retail
industry.
• Preference will be given to applicants with cooperative grocery experience, experience
managing a grocery/café combination, and a relevant bachelor’s degree.
• Excellent supervisory, organizational, and training skills.
• Ability to understand and work effectively in a cooperative environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining strong relationships within a diverse community.
• Ability to effectively use computers, Microsoft Office, web-based communication boards,
and electronic mail.
• Ability to effectively use a POS system, purchasing and ordering programs, and
associated hardware and software.
• Proven ability to understand, interpret, and present financial data.
Note: This position description is a summary of the typical functions of the job, not a comprehensive list of
all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.