General Manager Position Description
The General Manager will integrate daily business 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
PFC exists so that…
…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 General Manager will structure the business operation, select vendors and stock the floor, hire and train the staff and introduce the unique concept to the public at large. The General Manager should have the drive, personality, and leadership skills to motivate and encourage staff to provide the appropriate responsive and enjoyable customer environment and be able to address the concerns and needs of a wide group of stakeholders in this enterprise.
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
Salary for this position is up to $100,000 DOE.
Experience in the natural foods industry, independent grocery stores, and/or cooperative strongly preferred.
To apply for the position, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected].
Prairie Food Coop is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment.