General Manager
Community Food Co-op
- Bellingham, WA
- $165,000-180,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- The GM role is a contractual position with an initial term and renewal terms thereafter, as mutually agreed upon. Salary range is $165-180K depending on experience.
- Benefits include medical, dental, & vision for employee and children, matching 401(k), up to 25% discount on purchases, Paid Time Off, EAP, and Supplemental Insurance options.
- Strategic and Business Planning:
- Develop and implement annual business plans that advance the Co-op's long-term strategic plan and align with the Policy Governance framework.
- Identify growth opportunities and innovative initiatives to enhance the store's profitability and community impact, and advance the Co-op's mission, vision, and values.
- Collaborate periodically with the Board of Directors in long-range Strategic Planning to assess member needs and market conditions and to set long-term goals and strategic objectives.
- Financial Planning and Management:
- Manage the store's budget and financial performance, ensuring profitability and sustainability.
- Prepare annual and multi-year budgets, deliver results, assess new opportunities, oversee financial reporting, analysis, and forecasting to inform decision-making.
- Implement cost-effective strategies and revenue-generating initiatives.
- Operations Management:
- Oversee day-to-day operations, including inventory management, purchasing, and merchandising.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, safety standards, and cooperative policies.
- Implement efficient systems and processes to optimize operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Staff Leadership and Development:
- Provide visionary leadership and direction to the store's management team and staff.
- Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Support staff development and training initiatives to enhance skills and job satisfaction.
- Member and Community Engagement:
- Connect with stakeholders, and cultivate and manage community partnerships.
- Promote cooperative principles and values through community outreach and engagement activities.
- Solicit feedback from members and stakeholders to ensure responsiveness to community needs.
- Ensure an effective marketing and outreach strategy.
- Union Relations:
- Work collaboratively with union representatives to uphold labor agreements and ensure fair treatment of employees.
- Address labor-related issues and grievances in a timely and constructive manner.
- Foster a positive and productive relationship between management and unionized staff.
- Reporting to the Board Using Policy Governance:
- Maintain a productive and collaborative relationship with the Board of Directors. Report on relevant and emerging issues.
- Provide regular reports to the Board in accordance with Policy Governance principles, including updates on organizational performance, strategic initiatives, and compliance with governance policies.
- Collaborate with the Board to establish clear expectations for reporting and communication, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance processes.
- Ensure that all reports and communications to the Board adhere to the principles of Policy Governance, including clarity, relevance, and alignment with organizational values and objectives.
- Supervision:
- The GM directly supervises the Finance Director, HR Director, Marketing & Outreach Manager, Store Operations Directors, Prepared Foods Director, IS Retail Director, Facilities Manager, and Admin/Sustainability Manager.
- 5+ years experience in a retail or similar environment, in a leadership role.
- At least 5 years of direct management experience managing different levels of employees.
- Demonstrated financial acumen including budgeting, financial analysis, and business planning and execution.
- Engagement in strategic thinking and planning.
- Strong leadership, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
- Experience in cultivating high-performing collaborative teams.
- Supports and upholds accountability and transparency.
- Experience working in grocery and/ or cooperative settings.
- Experience working with a board of directors.
- Problem-solving skills: ability to diagnose problems and find solutions.
- Ability to develop and promote talent in a collaborative work environment.
- Experience leading organizations through change.
- Ability to develop and monitor systems.
- Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
- Embraces and models a service mindset.
- Strong operational integration of equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility.
- Experience with and support for the cooperative business model and values.
- Knowledge of labor laws and union relations.
- Passion for sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and community engagement.