Company description

Bluff Country Co-op is Winona's community-owned, cooperatively run grocery store. For more than 50 years we’ve served as leaders in sustainable food, supporting local and organic farmers and producers. Today our store continues to represent and promote food and environmental integrity, fair economic practices, and commitment to community.

At Bluff Country Co-op, we know great food brings people together. Grass fed meat and dairy products; artisan cheese, chocolate and bread; and delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables are just the beginning. We strive to connect our farmers and shoppers so our customers know where their food comes from.

Job description

PURPOSE: To oversee operations of a natural foods front of house; to meet the Co-op’s goals for sales, margin, labor and customer service, ensuring that the department contributes to the financial and social best interest of the Co-op; to promote the Co-op in accordance with its principles both in-store and in the community.

STATUS: Reports to General Manager; supervises front end staff

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Customer Service

• Treat people fairly, consistently and with respect.
• Ensure efficient, informative and friendly service according to established customer service vision and standards.
• Treat staff and managers with consistency and fairness, in a style appropriate to a cooperative work environment.
• Ensure that communications are clear, direct and respectful.
• Ensure the integrity of Bluff Country Co-op’s values in decision-making and interactions with others.
• Act as a model to all employees following the employee handbook.
• Provide attentive and courteous customer service.

2. Front of House Operations

• Set performance, productivity, and service standards for all department staff.
• Evaluate department conditions and operations to determine strengths and areas for improvement; reinforce strengths while developing and implementing improved practices and procedures.
• Ensure all department areas are clean, well ordered, safe for customers and staff, and meet health standards.
• Ensure unsellable items are returned or otherwise properly disposed of, following established procedures.
• Monitor cooler and freezer temperatures, inform departments of concerns, follow established procedures for repairs.
• Ensure accurate execution of marketing and promotional strategies by Front End staff.

3. Supervision

• Employ the integrity of Bluff Country Co-op’s values and Manager’s Code of Conduct in decision making and interacting with others.
• Hire qualified applicants following established policy.
• Ensure on-the-job training.
• Organize meetings of department staff and communicate policy changes.
• Document performance problems, provide coaching, feedback, and disciplinary conversations with staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations and take corrective action as needed, up to and including termination.
• Recommend pay raises within the department payroll budget and co-op pay scale.

4. Safety & Security

• Ensure department’s compliance with all state and federal food safety laws.
• Maintain department equipment in working order. Troubleshoot problems and arrange for repairs following established procedures.
• Assure department’s compliance with all policies in the Co-op’s Safety & Security binder.

5. Other Duties

• Participate in Management Team meetings as requested and storewide meetings.
• Procure and maintain current Food Manager Certification with the State of Minnesota.
• Serve as Manager on Duty as needed.
• Visit other stores for price comparisons, product and merchandising ideas for the Front End department.
• Work with the Owner Services Coordinator as needed for Owner Drives, Owner Appreciation and other events or cashier training related to ownership.
• Perform other related tasks assigned by the General Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Supervision experience--hiring, training, evaluating.
• Experience developing systems and procedures.
• Experience serving the public; exemplary customer service skills.
• Ability to handle multiple demands.
• Calmness under pressure, with ability to follow procedures in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to project an outgoing, friendly personality.
• Excellent communication skills with customers and co-workers: good listening, clear instructions.
• Familiarity with co-op products.
• Attention to detail, accuracy.
• Willingness to work weekends and evenings and regular, predictable attendance.
• Willingness and ability to learn and grow to meet the changing requirements of the job.

BENEFITS

• 20% employee discount
• Paid time off
• Paid breaks
• Flexible spending account (after 9 months of employment)
• Retirement account
• Ongoing paid training
• Free massage
• YMCA discount

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $17.00 - $22.00

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline