Marketing and Communications Manager

We are a member owned food cooperative committed to outstanding service to our members, patrons and the greater community, leading the way with education, healthy food choices and sustainable products.

Lakewinds Natural Foods, a full-service cooperative grocery, has served the western suburbs for over 30 years, and currently has locations in Minnetonka and Chanhassen. The soul of the co-op has always been the people involved, and Lakewinds has enjoyed a high level of commitment from everyone: members, staff, and board alike.  

Position Overview:

Lakewinds Natural Foods is seeking a Marketing and Communications Manager to join its senior management team. Responsibilities include marketing planning and management, brand development and maintenance, marketing communication and pubic relations, advertising and promotions, social media management and making public presentations.

Purpose: To increase awareness of Lakewinds in the community, to promote member enrollment and education, and to maintain high standards of communication to the public about Lakewinds Natural Foods - a member owned cooperative.

As a result of the effective functioning of this position, Lakewinds Natural Foods will have a consistent and positive presence in the community and will be know as the trusted source and brand preference for natural, organic, local, and fair trade products in Lakewinds' market areas.

Responsibilities:

I. Marketing Planning and Management:

• Create and implement marketing strategies, plans and budgets. 
• Develop and implement advertising and event plans. 
• Develop and implement plans for member outreach. 
• Ensuring all projects are prioritized. 
• Implementing integrated marketing communication activities to support a unified brand message. 
• Conduct customer surveys and market research. 
• Participate in senior management meetings and activities. 
• Direct and supervise department employees.

II. Brand Development and Maintenance:

• Develop and implement an effective brand strategy for Lakewinds Natural Foods, including web and social media. 
• Work in partnership with other departments on developing and maintaining a robust in-store brand experience for the consumer, including store design, merchandising and signage. 
• Responsible for creating consistency in image, message and brand identity for Lakewinds. 

III. Marketing Communications and Public Relations:

• Develop and implement communications and public relations plans. 
• Supervise PR efforts. 
• Participate in joint marketing activities of the Twin Cities Natural Food Cooperative working group. 
• Work with the General Manger in developing relationships with existing and potential Lakewinds' stakeholders. 
• Act as the point of contact for media inquiries and activities.

IV. Event and Promotion Management:

• Develop and implement plans for Lakewinds' promotions and events. 
• Provide leadership to the management team in creating new ideas for engaging members and other stakeholders.

V. Learning Center:

• Develop and implement strategies and plans for Lakewinds Learning Center. 
• Evaluate Learning Center activities for effectiveness and performance to budget.

VI. Board of Directors Relations:

• Provide staff support to the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors.

VII. Miscellaneous:

• Other duties and activities as assigned by the General Manager.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of Marketing and Communications management experience. 
• Experience with planning and budgets. 
• Experience and strong interest in natural foods issues, including organic. 
• Demonstrated abilities in public speaking and presentation. 
• Ability to work well with a diverse group of people. 
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team. 
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines. 
• Strong organizational skills, with detail orientation. 
• Strong written and verbal communications skills. 
• Strong skills with appropriate software. 
• Experience with web and social media platforms. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, with some weekends and evenings required. 
• Demonstrated proofreading and editing skills.
• Excellent written & communication skills, strong computer skills are essential.
• Experience in all facets of developing and implementing marketing programs, college degree.
• Experience with natural foods is a definite plus.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ability to communicate effectively with members, managers, staff, vendors and the public. 
• Ability to read, write, count and do math calculations to accurately develop promotions, write and edit, negotiate with vendors, and complete all documentation. 
• Ability to report to work at a variety of locations, including all stores and meeting locations. 
• Ability to travel locally along with occasional overnight travel. 
• Ability to freely access these areas of the stores: offices, selling floor, stock areas, classroom, and the sidewalk linking store and office. 
• Ability to regularly lift, move or handle materials generally weighing up to 30 pounds. 
• Ability to sit for long periods of time. 
• Ability to operate office equipment - including telephone, computer and peripherals - repeatedly during the day. 
• Ability to place and retrieve information in and from file cabinets. 
• Ability to work varied hours and days. 
• Ability to work under stress.

Compensation:  Lakewinds Natural Foods offers competitive pay and great benefits.

To Apply: 

To view the complete job description for this position please go to the employment section of our website. Rate is DOQ. Deadline for applications is Sunday, July 18. Please send resume with cover letter and salary requirements to Dale Woodbeck.

Dale Woodbeck
General Manager
Lakewinds Natural Foods
17515 Minnetonka Blvd
Minnetonka, MN 55345