Company description

The dream of the Caledonia Food Co-op began in 2018 when a few friends gathered and began to explore the possibility of opening a new natural foods co-op in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

The groups' goals include providing nourishing food for the community, creating a new market for area farmers, strengthening the local economy, and creating jobs.

5 years later, the Co-op owns a building on one of St. Johnsbury's major thoroughfares, and is on the verge of opening its doors, with a planned start date in July. We've raised nearly 7-million dollars, and have 1400 member households.

Job description

Caledonia Food Co-op (CFC) is seeking a dedicated, strategic, and financially skilled General Manager (GM) to lead us through our buildout, hiring, and opening, and to oversee the successful day-to-day operations of the store post-launch. As the cooperative’s chief executive, the GM will oversee all aspects of store operation, from vendor management and inventory control to staff recruitment and financial planning.

This leader will also serve as the co-op’s public face, introducing the cooperative model to the wider community and working closely with marketing and outreach teams to build meaningful partnerships.

The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strategic thinking, financial expertise, and team leadership, with the ability to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and service-oriented shopping environment. Strong communication skills, a love for food, and a genuine alignment with cooperative values are essential.

This is a full-time, on-site position, requiring extensive public engagement in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial and Strategic Planning

• Develop and recommend long and short-term strategic plans to the Board.
• Create and manage operating, capital, and cash budgets; present financial information in accessible terms.
• Direct all financial operations of the co-op.
• Identify opportunities for new products and services.
• Provide timely, accurate reports to the Board.
• Represent CFC in regional and national co-op and industry forums.

Store Operations

• Guide store layout, flow, and design in collaboration with vendors and distributors for opening inventory.
• Establish systems to ensure a profitable and growing business.
  Stay current on trends in natural foods and cooperative retail.
• Develop and maintain vendor relationships, including local suppliers.
• Design a product mix that meets member and community needs.
• Implement pricing and margin strategies that balance affordability and profitability.
• Ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Personnel Management

• Oversee adherence to CFC’s personnel policies; revise as necessary.
• Hire, supervise, evaluate, and, when necessary, discipline management staff.
• Create a staff organizational structure that promotes efficiency and service.
• Develop and manage annual payroll within budget.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and healthy work environment.
• Ensure all staff receive proper training and support.

Marketing & Outreach (as needed)

• Support CFC’s Ownership & Communications Committees.
  Assist in developing advertising, marketing, and outreach strategies.
• Execute marketing plans within budget.
• Collaborate on newsletters, social media, and the co-op’s annual report.
• Oversee store signage, displays, and promotions to drive sales and engagement.

Board Relations

• Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to the Board.
• Attend all Board meetings and maintain strong communication with Board leadership.
• Ensure that Board policies are implemented effectively and transparently.

Key Competencies & Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership and operational expertise in a mission-driven, entrepreneurial environment. Commitment to inclusivity and community responsiveness is essential.

• Strategic and Systems Thinking: Ability to develop goals, track progress, and adjust as needed.
• Problem-Solving: Root-cause analysis and proactive decision-making.
• Adaptability: Able to pivot effectively and maintain momentum in a startup setting.
• Team Building & Talent Development: Experience creating empowering, collaborative team cultures.
• Financial Management: Deep understanding of financial statements, forecasting, and budgeting.
• Revenue Projection Experience in a retail or cooperative setting.
• Tech Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, QuickBooks, and POS/inventory systems.
• Excellent Communication: Comfortable engaging with staff, owners, the public, and diverse stakeholders.

Schedule & Compensation

This is a full-time, salaried position. While the schedule is generally flexible, the GM must be available for: Regular Board of Directors meetings, occasional evening and weekend events, and in-store presence during key business hours.

The GM will set and manage their own schedule as well as the store management schedule, with availability based on business needs.

Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with experience and competitive for the industry. Details to be provided during the interview process.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000

Application instructions

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Deadline

February 20, 2026