Local Roots is a vibrant Co-op that features seasonal, sustainable foods from more than 300 local producers and a growing retail program. With ~20 paid staff members and around $2 million in annual revenue, we connect the community with environmentally and socially responsible businesses locally, regionally and globally.

Local Roots was established in 2009 by volunteers who, with community support, turned an empty building into a vibrant marketplace showcasing local food and handmade gifts. The Local Roots business model was developed with the help of small farmers. A year-round market where producers do not have to be on-site allows farmers to stay in their fields and gardens and expand production. The business is currently growing and expanding into a new location.

Local Roots Market and Cafe

Wooster, OH 44691 

General Manager 

Overview of Responsibilities 

The job of the General Manager is to oversee and facilitate all aspects of our cooperatively-owned grocery market. The General Manager is held responsible by the Board of Directors and will follow the guidelines set forth by the Board. The General Manager will undergo a yearly board review, which is to be led by the Executive Committee. The (GM) is empowered to make all decisions, create store policies, and authorize engagements that are consistent with a reasonable interpretation of the Local Roots Market mission and strategic plan. In addition, the GM provides direction and execution in the following areas, including, but not limited to: 

Financial and Planning 

The GM, working in conjunction with the Board Treasurer, directs all financial operations of the Co-op, including preparing operating and capital budgets, and is held accountable for control of resources. 

Operations 

The GM will maintain knowledge of natural foods retailing and industry trends as well as plan and execute operational strategies designed to maintain adequate profit to ensure a sustainable business. The GM ensures that the Co-op is running smoothly and meeting customer, staff, and community needs. 

Personnel 

The GM is responsible for ensuring a safe, healthy workplace for all employees. They also hire, set training expectations, supervise, and evaluate all members of the leadership team and staff. 

Reporting Relationships 

The GM reports to the Board of Directors, which is elected by the members of the cooperative. 

Leadership 

The primary duty of the GM is to provide effective and positive leadership through modeling appropriate behavior and maintaining high visibility. The GM thinks conceptually, imaginatively, and systematically about success and creates and communicates a compelling vision with goals. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Experience in agriculture, entrepreneurship, small business incubation, or value-added food related work
• Strong business acumen and fiduciary skills with a strong knowledge and understanding of financial management and reporting. 
• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to motivate, lead, and coordinate. 
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience with team leadership and development. 
• Experience as a manager in a retail food store and/or healthy prepared foods operation, or transferable experience. 
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning, and the ability to evaluate and determine appropriate strategic changes. 
• Commitment to cooperative values and structure. 
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as well as independently to accomplish common goals and to adapt to rapidly shifting priorities, external conditions, and deadlines. 
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal, organizational, and written/oral communication skills, as well as an ability and desire to work across diverse groups.
• Carries out operational and strategic tasks with a service mindset, demonstrating attention to internal and external service needs. 
• Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

• Ability to regularly move/transport up to 20 lbs, occasionally up to 40 lbs
• Ability to move easily in between different areas of the building. 
• Ability to observe customer/co-worker needs; product defects/irregularities and potential hazards. 
• Ability to operate equipment including a phone system, computer, and touch screen register. 
• Ability to learn/operate technologic equipment including, but not limited to retail POS systems, Quickbooks Online, Google WorkSpace, Microsoft Office, WIX, Mailchimp, Canva
• Ability to communicate and exchange information, including the ability to collect/record information. 
• Regular airborne exposure to common food allergens. 
• Periodic exposure to cold conditions, including coolers and freezers. 

This job description is a general description of job functions. It is not intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees are expected to perform tasks as assigned by leadership, regardless of job title or routine job duties. Local Roots Market and Cafe reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of business operations or work environment change. 

Local Roots Market and Cafe is an equal opportunity employer. We therefore support and uphold a policy of equal opportunity for all staff without regard to race, color, sex, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual preference, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, height, weight, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. 
 

Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for training, scheduling, and directing all floor staff, leads and managers. 
• Makes decisions on staff hiring, termination, development plans, and compensation
• Takes ownership of cross department operations and store communication
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive
• Ensures that daily, weekly and monthly store checklists are completed
• Promotes an enthusiastic communicative work environment and great customer service experience
• Responsible for maintenance, cleanliness, organization of store equipment facilities and health code compliance
• Maintains store supply inventory for all departments
• Develops and maintains property maintenance schedule (parking lot, grass, roofing, lighting, fixtures
• Functions as the senior authority during hours of operation
• Works with department managers to set daily staff priorities
• Serves as a primary point of contact for customer service escalations
• Manages long-term product department projects
• Creates and maintains procedural documentation and implements systems to uphold company standards
• Participates in floor work including stocking, receiving, cashiering, and merchandising
• Collaborates with department managers to determine product mix and price margins
• Maintains expert working knowledge of POS operations, Quickbooks and Google WorkSpace