General Manager Job Description
Overview
The Richmond Food Co-op Market seeks an experienced and innovative leader for the position of
General Manager (GM).
The Richmond Food Co-op will be a full service, member-owned, equal opportunity grocery store
focused on local, sustainable and affordable food options. Incorporated in 2013, the Co-op
currently has over 700 member/owners and plans to launch a member-loan campaign and identify
a site by the fall of 2015. The GM will serve as a key player in leading the implementation and
success of this start-up cooperative venture.
Guided by the Co-op’s mission and reporting to the Board of Directors, the GM is responsible for
the leadership and management of this start-up retail grocery operation. The ideal candidate will
have senior management experience in the retail grocery industry (especially cooperative), the
ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives, strong leadership and team-building abilities,
excellent supervisory and communication skills, proven financial management experience, and a
commitment to cooperative principles.
Richmond, Virginia is a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene, and a rapidly expanding
food scene. It has been hailed as “the next great American food city” by Saveur founder, Colman
Andrews. The city has been listed by Frommer’s as a “top destination,” and boasts urban grade IV
rapids on the James River. The city is within two hours of Washington, D.C., Virginia Beach, and
the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Summary
The job of the general manager is to lead the cooperative so that it achieves the goals and
objectives developed by the board of directors.
Reporting Relationships
The general manager reports to the board of directors, which is elected by the members of the
cooperative. The general manager has the authority to hire, direct, structure, and evaluate all other
staff.
Specific Responsibilities
Financial and Planning
 Develop and recommend to the board of directors long- and short-range plans to achieve coop purposes
 Prepare operating and capital budgets for approval by the board
 Direct all financial operations of the cooperative
 Investigate new business opportunities and make recommendations to the board of directors
on expansion, relocation, and acquisitions; conduct negotiations as agreed upon
 Provide information to the board
 Participate in regional and national co-op and industry events
Operations
 Ensure a profitable, growing business
 Maintain knowledge of natural foods retailing and industry trends
 Maintain appropriate relations with wholesale distributors, local markets, and other industry
sources
 Ensure the establishment and maintenance of a product mix that meets member needs.
 Plan and execute a margin strategy designed to be price competitive and maintain adequate
profit for growth
 Ensure compliance with all applicable laws: licenses, permits, health regulations, employment,
etc.
Personnel
 Oversee compliance with the cooperative’s personnel policies and update as needed
 Hire, supervise, and evaluate staff
 Develop and manage a staffing chart that promotes fair distribution of work while maintaining
maximum service to customers
 Prepare a yearly payroll budget that meets operating budget constraints
 Ensure a safe, healthy workplace for employees
 Ensure adequate training of staff
Marketing
 Develop an advertising and marketing strategy to increase public awareness of the cooperative’s
products and services
 Execute the advertising and marketing plan within budgetary guidelines
 Communicate information about the business to the members through a monthly newsletter
and an annual report
 Prepare or oversee store displays, signage, and other promotions to maximize marketing
impact
 Perform other duties assigned by the board of directors
How to Apply
The Richmond Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive wage and
benefits package. To apply for or inquire about the General Manager position, please a résumé
and cover letter detailing your interest and unique qualifications to info@richmondfoodcoop.com.
Candidates will be accepted until the position is filled.