General Manager

General Manager Position
The Rutland Area Food Co-op (RAFC), a cornerstone of our vibrant community and a hub for regional, natural, and organic foods and products, is seeking an energetic, community-oriented General Manager to bring leadership, vision, and an entrepreneurial spirit to drive the Co-op’s growth toward relocation or expansion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Strategy

• Create and implement store policies and procedures with the goal of fostering an environment that ensures success.
• Establish and evaluate development goals and priorities, including the assessment of capital needs and performance objectives for department managers.
• Meet business and organizational goals, encompassing both current operations and future expansion initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set strategic goals and implement policies that advance the Co-op’s mission and strengthen its community role.

Operations and Finance

• Oversee the Co-op’s day-to-day operations, ensuring optimal store conditions, customer satisfaction, and financial sustainability.
• Monitor budget progression, identifying deviations, and taking corrective action to meet established goals.
• Direct and monitor all financial operations, including operating, capital, and cash budgets, and provide financial statement interpretations during monthly board meetings.

Community and Marketing

• Build and maintain positive relationships with owners and the greater community to promote the RAFC mission and broaden community participation.
• Oversee and collaborate on marketing efforts to increase public awareness of the Co-op’s products and services and contribute to community education.

Staff Management

• Facilitate the hiring, orientation, training, supervision, scheduling, timely and thoughtful evaluation, promotion, discipline, and/or dismissal of all Co-op staff.
• Ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all employees through consistent staff meetings, measurable objectives and performance standards, training opportunities, and a comprehensive employee handbook.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Retail management experience, including responsibility for setting sales goals, product merchandising, purchasing and pricing guidelines, marketing, and bottom-line decisions.
• Values that align with cooperative business principles.
• Experience with operating and capital budgeting and management.
• High-level communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams in a collaborative or community-focused organization, with a demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusivity, engagement, and shared success.
• Ability to analyze and report on financial performance, with proficiency in accounting, bookkeeping, and financial statements.
• Strong delegation skills and the ability to build, develop, and lead a team.
• Experience with strategic planning.

Desired:

• 5+ years of experience in natural foods and/or Co-op retail management.
• Knowledge of natural and organic foods.
• Experience with fundraising and/or owner loan campaigns.
• Ability to participate in occasional physical tasks, including lifting items and extended standing.
• Proficiency with point-of-sale systems and QuickBooks.
• Knowledge of care and maintenance for retail/food store equipment (e.g., coolers, freezers, sanitizers, ice makers, scales, compressors, and evaporators).
• Familiarity with writing business plans and sourcing financing for large projects.
• An understanding of food systems, economic, and environmental sustainability.

APPLICATION DETAILS

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to board@rutlandcoop.com by December 6th, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted promptly. Don’t miss this opportunity to lead and grow with us—apply today!

Salary: $70,000–$80,000