Job Description
HARVEST NATURAL FOODS (BRISTOL)
RETAIL WORKER/PROSPECTIVE CO-OPERATIVE MEMBER
Main Functions
The role involves working closely with other co-op members as part of an energetic and
enthusiastic team that is responsible for managing all aspects of the shop.
Retail management experience and knowledge of wholefoods are highly desirable but not
essential.
The candidate is expected to contribute fully to all aspects of running the business. After a
successful 8-month probationary period the successful applicant is expected to become a
member of the co-operative. We are preferably looking for someone who is willing to give
a long-term commitment to the business (2 years).
The working day will be by arrangement between 08:00 and 19:00, Monday to Friday.
However, some tasks require working outside these times, such as attending shop and cooperative meetings. Saturday work is fulfilled on a rota basis. A flexible working attitude is
essential.
Responsibilities

To be part of a small, dedicated team that runs the shop, participating equally in all
activities necessary to run a successful business.

Ability to multi-task and constantly divide attention between competing elements is
an absolute necessity.

Ordering stock, maintaining adequate levels and keeping accurate records.

Attend shop and co-operative meetings outside normal working hours.

Be proficient in using computers particularly Microsoft office applications and the
generation of accurate spreadsheets with financial data.

Interest in and providing ideas for website development. Experience in or having the
potential ability to successfully use website creating programs e.g. Dreamweaver
would be beneficial.

Help the team to form business and advertising strategies .

Research new products and assess viability to sell within the shop.

Become knowledgeable with regards to products and suppliers.

Business and brand development.

Responsibility for shop and cash security.

Managing and delegating to temporary and casual staff.

Discover and implement stock promotions.

To work stock takes when necessary during the year, generally outside normal
hours sometimes until 10/11pm.

Confident in serving customers at the till, cash handling, cheques, credit/debit
cards.

Present a polite, friendly and service orientated attitude at all times.

Take in deliveries and check correct receipt of goods, including some heavy lifting
up to 25kg.

In agreement with team members, arrange holidays and days off.

Maintain health and safety standards in the shop.

Liase with marketing/sales representatives.

Maintaining hygiene standards, particularly in the deli area.

Maintaining and improving the shop’s image, cleaning, arranging stock correctly,
restocking shelves, decorating, arranging repairs.

Identifying problems, offering solutions and co-operating to resolve them
constructively.

Occasionally it is necessary for members to share responsibility of being a jointlicense holder for the sale of alcohol at the shop once membership of the cooperative has been achieved. This would involve the successful applicant having no
objection to taking on this role in principle and for there to be no legal reason or
circumstance that would prevent them from being accepted as an alcohol licensee.
Details will be provided at interview.
General co-operative requirements and abilities

Participation in running of the shop and the co-operative as a whole.

Ability to work as part of a team, actively participating in decision making.

Ability to work responsibly and independently, showing initiative in seeing tasks
through to the end.

Attendance at quarterly General Meetings usually held on the first Thursday of
March, June, September and December as well as Extraordinary General Meetings
if called.

Ability to share and exchange information with others.

Ability to criticize constructively and accept positive criticism.
JOB DESCRIPTION FOR A MEMBER OF ESSENTIAL TRADING CO-OPERATIVE LIMITED
FUNCTION
To collectively manage and develop the business of Essential Trading Co-op in order to fulfill the
co-op’s mission statement and current strategic business plans.
To act as a “care-taker” and “director” of the co-op, looking after the best interests of the co-op &
its members.
To further the principles of co-operation.
To make proactive contributions to the collective management and governance of the business.
TASK
1. To make active contributions to collective management functions and processes of the co-op
including; General Meetings, Management Committee, Team Meetings, Business Function Area
Meetings and other working groups (as needs be).
2. To seek and be willing to undertake training and personal development in order to be a more
effective co-op member.
3. To ensure that one’s allocated work duties are fulfilled.
4. To actively seek and accept responsibility within the co-operative.
5. To promote worker self-management.
6. To further the co-operative principles and the co-operative movement.
7. To communicate openly and honestly with other members.
8. To keep up to date with all changes to policies and procedures.
9. To set an example of best practice as a co-op member.
10. To work collectively for the good of the co-op, not for self interest.
COMMITTMENT
Minimum of 2 years, preferably 4 years, for a minimum of 24 hours per week.
COORDINATOR OF THE PROBATION PERIOD & PRE-MEMBER ASSESSMENT
Personnel Team & your main Team area for a trial period until granted membership.
All membership votes require 75% of votes in favour at a team level and also 75% of votes at a
General Meeting or as a result of a Paper Ballot.
Person Specification
Criteria
Experience
Working in a retail or wholesale
environment
Customer care
Use of an Epos or Stock Control system
Following shop opening and closing
procedures
Awareness of shop security and cash
handling
Management experience
Resolving disputes
Organisation and planning tasks
Marketing and promotion
Website management
Skills
Good communication skills
Can use initiative
Ability to multi task
Can work well as part of a team
Can operate a till
Receiving/giving criticism constructively
Knowledge
Vegetarian and vegan products
Essential brand
Natural remedies and supplements
Whole foods market
Essential Trading’s organisational structure
Other requirements
Positive and professional outlook to work
High standard of hygiene and cleanliness
Food hygiene qualifications
Ability to learn shop specific Epos software
(Quintek Propos)
Ability to train/be trained
A = Application form
I = Interview
E = Written Exercises
Essential
Desirable
A
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