General Manager

Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op promotes healthful living by offering wholesome foods, high quality products and community resources in a clean, friendly and cooperative grocery store ... that you own!

Position Overview:

The General Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of TPSS Co-op, and annual sales of $9 million. The General Manager reports to the Board of Representatives, elected by the members of the cooperative. TPSS has grown from a volunteer-run vegetarian store to a consumer cooperative selling meat and vegetarian products.

For more information on TPSS Co-op, please visit our website. 

Responsibilities:

Broad areas of responsibility include financial, strategic, and business planning; operations; personnel; and marketing. Additional priorities are to manage growth, development, and community outreach of TPSS Co-op's community-based stores, consistent with the Board's commitment to cooperative principles and sustainability.

In cooperation with the Board, the General Manager works to set goals and develop key indicators to measure progress in achieving those goals. Within that framework of collaboration and consultation, the General Manager makes decisions, creates policy, and authorizes expenditures for the Co-op.

The Board evaluates the General Manager's performance on agreed upon goals, as well as monitoring job performance in the following areas: asset protection, financial conditions, business planning and financial budgeting, staff treatment and compensation, customer treatment, membership equity and benefits, communication and support to the Board, Board logistical support, and maintaining clear systems for emergency management succession.

There is a strong possibility of expansion, probably within the next 2-3 years. The General Manager will play a critical role, working with the Board of Representatives, in managing and supporting the process. A commitment to collaborative governance and team management is required.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Experience managing a retail food store, a cooperative, or similar organization
• Operating, capital, and cash budgeting experience
• Experience successfully working with and managing a diverse workforce
• Experience in supervising managers, delegating responsibility, and building an effective management team.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to listen to and consider ideas from a range of sources
• Capacity to work with boards, community members, and staff to develop and implement a vision, including evaluating and determining appropriate strategic changes
• Personal and professional values that align with cooperative principles
• Ability to work with an active, involved labor force

Desired:

• Understanding of current trends in the natural foods industry, including the local foods movement
• Experience overseeing store renovations and expansions
• Business, financial, marketing and/or strategic planning experience

To Apply:

Interested candidates should please email a resume and cover letter explaining why you want to work at TPSS and summarizing the skills and experience you believe make you an excellent choice for General Manager.