Careers

Post Date: 07/15/24

Department: All Departments

Reports to: Board of Directors

Status: Full-Time, Salary

Compensation: $70-80,000 DOE. Performance bonus for hitting key business targets.

How to apply – please send cover letter, resume, and 2+ references to board@plainfieldcoop.com. Applicants may also email board@plainfieldcoop.com with any questions.

PURPOSE
To lead the cooperative with vision, skill and passion so that the business will thrive and grow–
in alignment with the needs of the community and the cooperative’s values and mission.

JOB SUMMARY
The Plainfield Co-op General Manager will oversee the daily operations of the organization in order to achieve the positive operating results and desirable impact of the co-op. The General Manager will actively supervise and coordinate the efforts of all staff in the execution of their job duties and will oversee all parts of the store (hardware, grocery, and greenhouse). The General Manager will lead the team in providing prompt, welcoming customer service; keeping displays, coolers, and shelves fully stocked; and ensuring the presence of an effective store team. The General Manager will provide exemplary leadership and coordination of the co-op staff while offering an engaging customer experience and maintaining a positive, ethical, and productive workplace that contributes to achieving measurable progress towards The Co-op’s Ends.

General Accountability
• Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager will work towards achieving positive operating results that contribute to the cooperative’s Ends.
• The General manager will be responsible for meeting the requirements of the executive limitations policy and providing monitoring reports to the Board of Directors.
• The General Manager’s schedule will be based on the needs of the business.
• The General Manager will be attentive and responsive to the needs and concerns of members, customers, suppliers, staff, and community.

Supervision
• The General Manager oversees the entire co-op staff and will be responsible for supporting their professional success and ongoing development.
• The General Manager will provide ongoing input and feedback to staff in regard to meeting the required performance of their job duties, and is responsible for the timely evaluation and review of staff performance.
• The General Manager will coordinate and provide for the successful training and onboarding of all co-op employees.
• The General Manager may Hire/Fire in accordance with co-op policy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Manage store operations effectively and profitably.
B. Guide the development of the co-op as it grows into its new larger location with expanded product offerings.
C. Actively supervise and support co-op staff and oversee staff scheduling.
D. Abide by all Co-op policies and procedures as outlined in the Personnel Policies and Operating Policies and Procedures.
E. Follow and ensure compliance with all health and safety practices and policies. Implement and maintain approved safety and sanitation programs that meet all Health Department and OSHA requirements. Ensure proper storage and labeling procedures.
F. Consistently and positively promote member-ownership and owner benefits.
G. Provide for training of staff on essential duties, including opening and closing procedures, health/safety requirements, customer service, general storekeeping, etc.
H. Develop and implement approved budgets, sales objectives, and margins, leading to positive operating results. Review financial reports and take corrective action.
I. Oversee and coordinate the purchasing activities for all departments and Buyers.
Establish procedures for sourcing and pricing to meet margin goals. Ensure accurate up-to-date records of product costs, pricing, labeling, and signage. Develop and maintain mutually beneficial local supplier relationships.
J. Ensure prompt, friendly, courteous customer service. Model exceptional customer service skills and communicate expectations to staff.
K. Merchandise effectively. Plan attractive displays with appropriate signage; ensure displays are fully stocked and rotated to support freshness and quality control. Identify the product mix to achieve sales/margin goals and to satisfy customer demand. Evaluate suppliers and investigate new sources of supply.
L. Ensure staff is trained in process of checking in deliveries accurately and efficiently. Receive orders and/or ensure proper receiving by staff. Coordinate returns and credit from suppliers where applicable. Ensure proper review of invoices for accuracy and process for payment.
M. Hire qualified applicants as necessary following established policy. Conduct performance evaluations. Implement pay increases and wage scale within operations budget requirements.
N. Take disciplinary action as needed following established policy.
O. Organize regular and effective staff meetings.
P. Develop practices and draft store operational policies in alignment with the co-op’s governing policies towards the effective management of the store as a business unit.
Q. Attend Board of Directors meetings as required.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
• Previous managerial or supervisory experience required.
• Relevant retail experience required (such as: natural foods, hardware, grocery).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to supervise others effectively. Preference for previous supervisory experience.
• Excellent customer service skills; friendly, cooperative, tactful, and courteous.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends.

EXCELLENCE IN THIS POSITION
• Creative merchandising skills or experience.
• Passion for quality food and familiarity with natural foods.
• Familiarity with hardware, farm and garden, and related areas.
• Experience developing systems and procedures.
• Ability to exercise diplomacy and deal effectively with conflict resolution.
• Ability to work well with others in a cooperative environment where teamwork is a constant.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion,
ability, and socioeconomic circumstance.
• Commitment to cooperative values and principles.

REQUIREMENTS
Confidentiality/Discretion:
This position has access to confidential information that pertains to the business. It is expected that this information will be shared only as necessary, with discretion and as appropriate, in accordance with the functions of the position and all applicable laws, policies, and procedures.

Physical Demands:
Physical ability to meet the needs of regular and predictable attendance. Essential work duties may place physical demands on employee consistent with preparing and offering product in a retail food service environment, including freezers and coolers.
     • Frequently lift and move up to 25 lbs. throughout shift.
     • Frequently move about store to access groceries and supplies. Constantly positions self to move items (reaching, bending, etc.).
     • Regularly ascend and descend step stools. Regularly ascend and descend stairs to move between floors.
     • Frequently be in movement, with appropriate breaks.
     • Frequently handle small items with dexterity, including writing instruments, register, credit cards/machine, keyboards, computer mouse, scissors, stapler, cash, etc.

The Co-op provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees with a disability.

Education and Experience:

High School diploma, general education degree (GED), or higher education. Grocery retail, food service, hardware, agricultural, or related experience preferred.

The Board of Directors maintains the right to update and amend the General Manager Job Description in accordance with co-op policy in order to meet the needs of the cooperative.

The Board of Directors maintains the right to update and amend the General Manager Job
Description in accordance with co-op policy in order to meet the needs of the cooperative.