Company description
The Berkshire Food Co-op is the Southern Berkshires' community-owned grocery store, and we are looking for a General Manager to lead its next chapter. Founded in 1981 by 160 local families as a buying club, the Co-op is now owned by about 5,800 members and employs roughly 45 people. Since 2019 we have operated a 7,600 sq ft store at 34 Bridge Street in Great Barrington, with full grocery, local produce, meat and seafood, a bakery and a café.
Anyone can be an owner, and everyone is welcome to shop. Our purpose is simple: nourish our community — with healthy food, a strong local farm and producer economy, and a vibrant gathering spot for meaningful connections.
Job description
This is a turnaround role for a leader who wants to rebuild a beloved community institution. Fewer shoppers are coming through the door, and those who come are spending less per visit.
The fundamentals are still here: thousands of loyal owners, a modern store in the center of town, deep ties to local farms and makers, and a board committed to change. We need a General Manager who can grow sales quickly, run a disciplined store, and give owners, staff and shoppers a reason to choose the Co-op again.
Position summary
The General Manager is the Co-op's chief executive and its only direct report to the Board of Directors, which owners elect. The GM is responsible for the Co-op's financial health, its operations and its people.
· Reports to: Board of Directors
· Direct reports: Department leads; oversees a total team of 40
· Location: On-site in Great Barrington, MA. Great Barrington sits in the heart of the Berkshires, about 2.5 hours from Boston and New York City, with a strong arts, farm and food community.
· Status: Full-time, exempt
Key responsibilities
Sales growth and the shopper experience
· Lead a plan to reverse the decline in both customer count and average basket size
· Ensure the Co-op is a joyful shopping experience and a vibrant source of meaningful connections
· Direct merchandising, pricing, promotions and product mix so the store is competitive on value and distinctive on local and specialty goods
· Oversee marketing, owner recruitment and community partnerships that bring new and lapsed shoppers back
Financial management
· Own the P&L: sales, gross margin, staff, operating expenses, cash flow and net income
· Prepare the annual budget and capital plan; monitor results weekly and correct course quickly
· Manage inventory, shrink, vendor terms and the lease relationship
· Use National Co-op Grocers programs and peer benchmarks to improve margin and buying
Operations
· Oversee all departments: Grocery and Wellness, Produce, Fresh Foods, Meat, Seafood & Cheese, Customer Service, Marketing, Administration and Maintenance
· Ensure food safety, sanitation, OSHA and all regulatory compliance
· Keep systems, equipment and technology (POS, scheduling, accounting) working and up to date
People and culture
· Build a culture of inclusion, empathy and respect.
· Recruit, develop and hold accountable a strong management team
· Ensure the team thrives in their individual and collective growth.
Owners, community and governance
· Be the Co-op's public face with owners, local producers, civic partners and the press
· Grow ownership and owner engagement, including owner drives and owner investment campaigns
Work with the Board on strategy; deliver timely, candid monitoring and financial
Qualifications
Required
· 5+ years of senior retail grocery management (store manager, operations manager or GM), including managing managers
· A track record of growing sales and improving profitability, ideally in a turnaround
· Strong financial skills: budgeting, forecasting, P&L, margin analysis and cash flow
· Hands-on knowledge of grocery operations, merchandising, pricing and buying
· Clear, candid communication with staff, owners, the Board and the public
Compensation
this position is: salaried, more than $100,000
Application instructions
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Deadline
no deadline