SUMMARY
The Mustard Seed Co-operative Grocery Inc., a nonprofit co-operative in Hamilton, ON, is seeking a General Manager to take a lead role in planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources for the management of a downtown grocery store. We welcome applications from highly motivated and dynamic individuals with managerial experience in the grocery industry and a strong knowledge of and commitment to co-operative values to help guide our two year old 2,000 member co-op as we grow into a new phase of our business’ development.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with the Board of Directors and a staff team of 15 and volunteers to ensure all needs and operational objectives of the Co-op are met. Oversee, assist, and supervise all store staff in the achievement of established goals and objectives. Responsibilities also include the following:
Financial Accountability
Prepare annual budgets as well as sales and membership targets for approval by the Board of Directors
Implement and achieve annual financial objectives
Oversee the monitoring and managing of all labour and controllable expenditures
Understand and use financial tools, reports, and key performance indicators to direct operations and monthly reporting
Prepare, monitor and manage key performance indicators including margin, margin minus labour, inventory turn ranges, and profit
Operations
Ensure store conditions meet customer service objectives and budgetary goals in alignment with mission and vision
Maintain a customer friendly, clean and safe, healthy store for benefit of staff and customers
Direct and maintain inventory, product mix, and merchandising standards to meet the co-op’s values and key performance indicators
Ensure compliance with applicable licenses, permits, and funding grant reporting requirements
Ensure positive relationships are developed and maintained with the Co-op’s suppliers
Understand and implement required health and safety programs and monitor compliance with applicable Federal, Provincial and Municipal health and safety laws
Customer Service
Evaluate and identify customer service needs and develop and implement training to ensure the Co-op provides outstanding service to its customers and communicates clearly and effectively; manage customer service needs on an ongoing basis to ensure the member and customer satisfaction key performance indicators are achieved
Human Resources
Maintain and implement staff training plans, work schedules, pay scale, position descriptions, staffing structure, orientation process, employee benefits and policy manual
Hire and facilitate the training of all compensated staff and implement any staff changes required
Develop and maintain a system of staff performance feedback, as well as providing ongoing real-time feedback to all staff
Lead the overall volunteer management program for the Co-op ensuring volunteers have a valuable experience, complement paid staff roles, and that the overall program supports the Co-op’s values and key performance indicators
Implement open and transparent communication with and among staff to ensure a well and equallyinformed team with regards to all information salient to the success of the store
Ensure that all staff and volunteers are trained in and follow all organizational safety procedures and guidelines
Store Promotion
Ensure that website and social media content is accurate and consistent with store updates and operations
Ensure store promotions are planned, managed, and evaluated
Help develop and implement a marketing campaign within budget to maximize local involvement and increase sales and membership
Board Relationship
Attend meetings of the Board of Directors and present updates and report on key indicators as requested
Work with Board to establish and achieve annual goals and objectives that are in line with set fiduciary and strategic parameters
Work closely with the Board and Board-established volunteer committees on special-focus projects
Perform other work as reasonably requested
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum 3 – 5 years of experience in retail management, preferably in a co-operative food store or independent community grocery store
Experience in expansion or development of new departments in an existing grocery store
Post-secondary education in business, management, community development or a related field
Financial management experience, including planning and implementation of budgets, maximizing operational efficiency, and ensuring adequate cash flow and capital
Development and use of effective customer service tactics
Proven ability to articulate and implement a vision, including financial and strategic business planning
Experience with management of personnel including hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, and compensation
Proven success with marketing planning and implementation
Strong inventory-management skills including negotiating with suppliers, product analysis, stocking, ordering, inventory control, and data analysis
Computer literacy including a working knowledge of store point of sales systems, the Microsoft Office suite and accounting software such as QuickBooks or Simply Accounting
Some evening or weekend work may be necessary
ASSETS
Excellent people, relationship and personnel-management skills including active listening and conflict resolution
Balanced leadership skills, with demonstrated ability to develop a creative, effective team with individual empowerment, but also to make strong decisions when needed
The ability to motivate, inspire and empower teams of dedicated staff and volunteers
Committed to the Co-op’s four-part vision (health, local economy, environment, & community)
Eager to develop and grow a thriving retail business participating in and contributing to the local economy
Excited about building community by creating an inviting environment in which to shop, learn, and interact
Respect and support for the process of working with a Board of Directors; prior experience working with a board of directors is a key asset
Excellent written and spoken communication skills
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequent: standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, bending, reaching, lifting up to 50 lbs
TERMS OF POSITION
This is a permanent, full-time position, accountable to the Board of Directors
A 6-month probationary period applies
HOW TO APPLY
Application deadline is September 25th 2015
We encourage applicants to explore our website and learn as much as possible about our coop and community prior to submitting an application: http://mustardseed.coop/
Interested candidates are welcome to request a copy of our business plan
Applications must include a resume and cover letter with brief answers to the following questions:
i. Why do you want to work for The Mustard Seed?
ii. How does your experience align with the vision of The Mustard Seed? (available on our website)
iii. Why do you think the cooperative grocery model is important?
Applications should be submitted by email to hr@mustardseed.coop with “GM Position” as the subject line
We thank all applicants, but only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please have the names and contact information of three (3) references available.
The Mustard Seed Cooperative Grocery is an inclusive and equitable employer committed to a living wage and encourages applications from qualified candidates that reflect the diverse populations of Hamilton, ON.