River Falls, WI is a lovely small university community, with a commitment to education and culture, a trout stream next to Main Street and the Twin Cities metro area just 30 miles West. Our town is home to a thriving local foodshed, of which Whole Earth Market Co-op plays a major role by featuring a bounty of local fruits and vegetables, maple syrup, honey, baked goods, dairy, eggs and meats.

About River Falls, WI:

River Falls, Wisconsin is a small community with rural roots, a commitment to education and culture, and abundant natural beauty. Our Main Street parallels the Kinnickinnic River, a Class A trout stream that runs through town. From Main Street it’s an easy jaunt to excellent bike paths, parks, or the University of Wisconsin River Falls campus, which hosts an array of cultural events and concerts throughout the year. While maintaining the charm of a progressive rural community, River Falls is a mere 30 minutes from the Twin Cities. Our town is home to a thriving local food community, of which Whole Earth Market Co-op plays a major role by featuring a bounty of local produce, baked goods and dairy, eggs and meats.

About Whole Earth Market Co-op:

Whole Earth Market Co-op opened its doors in 1974 and is currently owned by over 2000 member-owner households. Centrally located in downtown River Falls, our store is approximately 2200 square feet and features a newly renovated storefront. Whole Earth Market Co-op’s annual sales are approaching $1,000,000 with 11 employees on staff. Our Board of Directors and General Manager use policy governance to define leadership roles and maintain an efficient system of governance.  

General Manager, Full Time, Whole Earth Market Co-op

Posted: September 9, 2018

Organization: Whole Earth Market Co-op

Organization location: 126 S Main St, River Falls, WI 54022

Organization website: http://www.wemarket.coop

We are looking for an innovative, energetic, full-time General Manager to continue our commitment to the local food shed while further connecting with customer/ member needs. Love local food and good community? Please see our posting! http://www.wholeearthgrocery.coop/employment

We are currently accepting applications for a permanent General Manager. The process of reviewing applications will begin November 9. 

Overview of specific General Manager duties:

• Provide excellent customer service to shoppers, making the customer’s needs the priority
• Ensure that members and customers receive best value in products and services.
• Maintain and ensure a positive public image for the co-op.
• Coordinate preparation of annual business plan with capital, operating, and cash budgets.
• Report to Board on financial performance of the co-op.  Provide financial analyses of current operations and future plans.
• Maintain financial conditions that do not incur fiscal jeopardy or compromise Board goals and priorities.
• Ensure timely preparation of annual capital, operating and cash flow budgets that includes evaluation of past and future trends.
• Investigate new business opportunities and make recommendations to Board of Directors on expansion, relocation, acquisitions, and conduct negotiations as agreed.
• Set performance objectives for department managers.
• Establish maintenance and security of all co-op property to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage or theft of property.
• Develop & implement process procedure manuals
• Work with staff to plan promotions, advertising, product demos and in-store merchandising.  
• Ensure development and implementation of legal and equitable personnel policies
• Network with peers and implement best practices from other co-ops.

Qualifications:

• Experience managing a retail food store (as general manager, store manager, operations manager or district manager)
• A comprehensive understanding and commitment to local, sustainable foods and the cooperative model
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Supervisory experience—hiring, training, evaluating, compensating, and documenting performance
• A proven ability to motivate self and others with a clearly articulated vision and practice
• Communications skills—written and verbal, with a range of stakeholders
• Business planning experience (financial and strategic)
• Familiarity with the development and administration of an annual budget
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple demands and prioritize appropriately
• Ability to interpret financial statements and effectively convey them to the Board
• Willingness and ability to learn and grow to meet the changing job requirements
• Demonstrated high integrity and commitment to ethical business practices
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial attitude/approach to thrive in the competitive landscape of the natural foods grocery

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
• Experience in food co-op management or natural food retail management
• Experience marketing and merchandising in competitive markets
• Marketing and operational planning experience
• Experience communicating with and reporting to a board of directors
• Experience with policy governance
• Computer literacy (Quickbooks, Excel, Word, POS Software)

Apply by: November 9, 2018