General Manager at Detroit People's Food Co-op

Detroit, Michigan, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 Jan, 26

Salary

80000.0

Posted On

18 Oct, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Grocery Store Management, Financial Accountability, Customer Service, Human Resources, Marketing, Food Justice, Food Sovereignty, Sustainability, Open Book Accounting, Team Building, Leadership, Communication, Time Management, Problem Solving, Collaboration, Inventory Management

Industry

Description

Description The Detroit People's Food Co-op (DPFC), a full-service, Black-led, cooperatively-owned grocery store, which opened in May of 2024 in Detroit's North End neighborhood, seeks an experienced, skilled and values-aligned General Manager. DPFC is more than a store—we are a movement. We seek a General Manager who can help sustain a thriving cooperative that builds community wealth, supports Black food sovereignty, and strengthens Detroit’s tradition of Black self-determination. The store provides healthy food options and food education to the greater Detroit community. OVERVIEW The General Manager, a full-time salaried employee, is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day co-op management and operations in conformance with the goals and policies adopted by the Board of Directors. The General Manager reports to the DPFC Board of Directors. DPFC is seeking a turnaround leader — someone with the skills and mindset to stabilize operations, strengthen financial performance, and build resilient systems for long-term growth. Training and support will be provided to the General Manager. There is an expectation that the General Manager will use cooperative principles and have a cooperative approach to the work. RESPONSIBILITIES Store Operations Work cooperatively to evaluate and build systems and processes that support the staff in their duties and provide data and transparency. Assess current systems and processes and lead improvements needed to transition the store from start-up into a stable, profitable, and thriving cooperative grocery store. Oversee all departments and establish best practices and procedures that will ensure a stable, profitable, and growing business. 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, inspections, etc. Collaborate with managers to maintain inventory, product mix, and merchandising standards that meet organizational goals. Stay current on natural, organic, fair trade, and local food retail trends. Maintain relations with National Co-op Grocers, wholesale distributors, local markets, and other industry vendors and producers. Monitor overall store conditions, including preventive maintenance of store equipment, to meet customer service objectives and budgetary goals. Financial Accountability Follow all procedures and systems for financial control as set forth in DPFC’s accounting policy. Monitor and manage all labor and other controllable expenditures within budget. Explore and implement high-quality, cost-effective solutions that strengthen DPFC’s sustainability and mission alignment. Review and assess weekly store reports and monthly financial reports prepared by accounting services and provide to the board per reporting requirements Prepare and present annual budgets and business plans that support operations and the fiscal integrity of DPFC. Understand and utilize the financial tools and reports available to support operations. Ensure financial transparency with regular reporting to the board and staff as appropriate. Use open book accounting to support communicating financial transparency to staff, board and member/owners. Member Engagement / Marketing Develop and implement store promotion strategies within budget to increase co-op membership, sales, and public awareness of the co-op's products and services. Collaborate with the Communications Committee to communicate information about the co-op to members through its website, social media, newsletter, annual report, Quarterly Membership Meetings, and Annual Meetings. Develop and sustain strategic, values-aligned, community partnerships. Monitor key indicators of membership engagement and support new member recruitment. Solicit member feedback and consider suggestions. Customer Service Ensure excellent customer service that reflects DPFC’s values. Design and maintain a store that delivers dynamic merchandising and is customer friendly. Maintain a product mix that meets member and customer needs. Identify and monitor key indicators to ensure overall customer satisfaction. Safety and Sanitation Understand, implement, and monitor required programs to be in compliance with applicable federal and state health and safety laws: licenses, permits, and health regulations. Ensure that all staff are trained in and follow all organizational safety procedures and guidelines. Ensure that the store provides a safe, healthy work environment for all staff and customers. Human Resources Convene regular staff meetings. Hire, supervise, and evaluate performance of store leadership and staff on a regular basis. Ensure adequate training and cross-training of staff and promote a culture of professionalism, enthusiasm, and high quality of performance. Provide a model of supportive and participatory leadership promoting the concepts of team building and empowerment. Foster an inclusive, anti-racist workplace that promotes accountability, equity, and mutual respect. Board Relations Comply with the Policy Governance framework adopted by the board. Connect with the board and committees to identify opportunities for operational support. Attend and report at annual meetings and all meetings of the board of directors. Partner with the board to establish and achieve annual goals and objectives. Other duties as assigned by the board. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS Willing to work 50+ hours weekly in person including evenings and weekends. Participate in occasional travel for training, professional development and partner requirements. Proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail, Calendar) and familiar with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. A collaborative spirit. Effective time management skills. Previous grocery store management. Knowledge of store turnaround and food co-ops is a plus. Experience with open book accounting, Quickbooks and GAAP preferred. Four-year college degree in business, financing, marketing or equivalent professional experience is preferred. Knowledge about food justice, food sovereignty and sustainability. Supports DPFC’s Black self-determination and anti-racist values. Comply with food safety standards, including ServSafe certification. Effectively operate POS hardware and software for inventory, data analysis, and customer relationship management. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking. Leadership and organizational skills with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Willingness to work collaboratively with the board, seeking advice, support and guidance where needed. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be regularly required to be both in person, and on virtual meetings/telephone while in person; safely operate standard store equipment; and facilitate movement of items weighing up to 50 pounds. HOW TO APPLY Please send a cover letter and resume to info@detroitpeoplesfoodcoop.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled. This is a full-time staff position. Salary range: $60,000–$80,000, depending on experience. Benefits included. Performance-based bonuses possible. The Detroit People's Food Co-op does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, height, weight or marital status. The Detroit People's Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

The General Manager is responsible for all aspects of day-to-day co-op management and operations, ensuring compliance with goals and policies set by the Board of Directors. This role includes stabilizing operations, strengthening financial performance, and building resilient systems for long-term growth.