General Manager

Job Description

Overview

The Fort Collins Food Cooperative is seeking a passionate, experienced, and highly organized General Manager (GM) to lead our team through an exciting period of growth. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and hands-on leader for a team of ~20 employees to guide daily operations while also playing a critical role in expanding operations in our new, larger facility. Transition training by an outside co-op consultant may be available.

Overview of Responsibilities:

The General Manager will be responsible for overseeing, managing and maximizing the entire business operations and all its related departments, including Produce, Bakery, Deli, Meat, Dairy, Frozen Foods, Beer/ Wine, Bulk Foods, and all other areas of the store.

The General Manager is responsible for the efficient and profitable operations of the store, including all departments and department-related activities – ensuring cleanliness, safety and a well-stocked inventory. The General Manager is also accountable for maintaining the financials, hiring and termination of employees, team member training and development, inventory, sales promotion execution and merchandising. Responsibilities also include managing staff and department managers, responding to customer feedback, overseeing community relations, and ensuring compliance with store policies and other administrative duties. The GM also protects the physical assets of the company.

The General Manager reports to the Board of Directors (BOD) and is directed by the Board through Policy Governance. The GM attends the BOD monthly meetings as well as developing and monitoring the Co-op’s strategic business plan in conjunction with the Board of Directors. They also work with the Board to produce, then adhere to, an annual budget.

The General Manager needs to apply the seven cooperative principles as a guiding framework in all management decisions and departmental oversight. This includes understanding that a cooperative business operates with emphasis on member control, inclusivity, community focus, and mindful/sustainable practices.

Qualifications:

• Must have 2-3 years grocery or similar retail management. Familiarity with co-ops is a plus.
• 1-2 years experience building and leading teams
• 1-2 years of direct budget ownership in a retail environment, managing operating budgets of $500K or more, ability to read financial statements, and knowledge of basic accounting principles.
• Active Food Safety certifications.
• Proficiency with CoPOS, Catapult, or similar point of sale software, Homebase, QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Office or Google Workspace and good data security practices.
• Have strong organization and planning skills; able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
• Have a strong focus on detail, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Be dependable and reliable, having the ability to work a flexible schedule that changes as the business changes; including nights, weekends and holidays as well as having flexibility with store assignments.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Have and show an outgoing and friendly demeanor along with a positive attitude and the ability to interact with our customers in an engaging manner.
• Have the ability to lift moderately heavy loads up to 50 lbs., the ability to bend, reach, kneel, squat and stand for long periods of time.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working with union staff is a plus.

Responsibilities:

• Manage department staff to include: interviewing, hiring, training and development, delivering on-time performance appraisals, providing feedback, scheduling, counseling and terminating. Possess a proven leadership ability to build, motivate and maintain staff.
• Financial Oversight: Experience monitoring and managing a company's financial health, including revenue trends, cost controls, and expense management to support profitability goals.
• Financial Reporting & Administration: Ability to create and track financial plans, maintain accurate records of fixed assets, and produce regular reports including sales, margins, and personnel costs. Ensures timely vendor payments and meets financial reporting obligations.
• Inventory & Vendor Management: Oversee purchasing, inventory controls, and vendor relationships to maintain product availability and cost targets.
• Member-Owner Relations: Serve as a primary point of contact for member-owner operational concerns and engagement, supporting the Board's relationship to the membership.
• Have a strong focus on food safety and sanitation, ensuring all food sold in the store is fresh.
• Must also ensure that all federal, state, and company regulations and standards for all labor, health, safety and sanitation issues to maintain a safe and clean work environment for employees and customers to ensure compliance with all OSHA requirements, other governmental regulations and company standards.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight of the marketing department, ensuring promotional activities, community outreach, and member communications align with the cooperative's values and business objectives.
• Compliance with Board Policies - the General Manager must be able to provide reports on governance-level information that helps the board make strategic decisions, including but not limited to, Financial Performance, Operation Metrics, Governance Compliance, Member and Community Relations, Staff and Human Resources and Strategic Initiatives.
• Other duties as required