Grocery Department Manager at Community Food Coop

Bellingham, Washington, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

14 Jan, 26

Salary

31.07

Posted On

16 Oct, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Leadership, Customer Service, Inventory Management, Food Safety, Organizational Skills, Communication Skills, Negotiation, Merchandising, Team Management, Scheduling, Financial Management, Vendor Relations, Operational Efficiency, Problem Solving, Product Knowledge, Co-op Principles

Industry

Retail Groceries

Description

Description Who We Are We are a community-owned natural foods grocery store. We’re passionate about the Co-op business model, quality food, and our community! We are driven to provide a workplace that engages our team members and raises the bar for excellent employment practices. We strive to create a feeling of inclusivity with all employees and customers. We look for positive people who have a passion for customer service, have fun while working hard, are self-motivated, and want to be a part of a growing team. Position Summary: The Grocery Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and daily operations of the Grocery Department. They oversee a team that includes the freight crew working overnight when the store is closed, the daytime crew responsible for stocking shelves and providing customer service, and the department heads for Dairy/Frozen, Bulk, and Beer/Wine/Spirits. The Grocery Manager works closely with the Category Manager and Grocery Merchandiser to ensure effective product selection, inventory management, merchandising, and department success. This role ensures high-quality store conditioning, excellent customer service, and a well-trained, engaged staff. They are accountable for meeting financial goals, driving sales, and maintaining operational efficiency while upholding food safety and compliance standards. Wage Range: $27.00 – $31.07 Schedule: Varies, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Reports to: Store Manager Location: Downtown Co-op, 1220 N Forest St. Bellingham, WA General Responsibilities: Department Leadership & Team Management Oversee all operations of the Grocery Department, ensuring smooth workflow across Center Store, Bulk, Dairy/Frozen, Beer, Wine & Spirits, and Night Crew. Maintain high standards for product quality, freshness, and presentation. Ensure compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and health requirements. Hire, train, and develop department staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Schedule staff effectively using scheduling software (e.g., Paylocity) to meet department needs while staying within budget. Provide regular feedback, coaching, and performance evaluations to support staff growth and success. Customer Service & Product Knowledge Model and enforce excellent customer service within the department and throughout the Co-op. Train staff on customer service expectations and food safety practices. Ensure staff understand and communicate store policies effectively. Respond to customer inquiries and comment forms promptly and professionally. Maintain detailed knowledge of department product offerings, including sourcing, quality, and handling. Train staff to effectively communicate this information to customers, especially regarding local, organic, and specialty products. Operational Efficiency & Inventory Management Maintain clean, organized storage, stocking, and display areas. Ensure proper handling and storage of grocery products to maintain quality and safety. Monitor inventory levels, ensuring proper stock rotation to minimize waste and out-of-stocks. Conduct regular quality checks, removing items that do not meet standards. Manage shrink through best practices in ordering, handling, and storage. Monitor and maintain department equipment, reporting issues promptly. Financial Management & Data Reporting Meet department sales, margin, and budgetary goals. Monitor and control costs, including shrink management and accurate receiving logs. Maintain pricing structures aligned with financial objectives. Work with the Pricing Manager and PMT to ensure accurate PLUs and pricing in the POS system. Track sales, inventory, and shrink data to inform ordering and pricing decisions. Provide regular reports to store leadership on department performance. Vendor & Supplier Relations Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to source high-quality grocery products. Negotiate pricing, availability, and delivery schedules to meet department needs. Act as the primary liaison between the store and grocery suppliers, ensuring consistency and transparency in sourcing. Compliance & Safety Ensure all grocery products are handled and stored according to food safety and Co-op standards. Educate staff on food safety practices, proper labeling, and compliance requirements. Monitor department compliance with all health and safety regulations. Merchandising & Marketing Develop creative displays and promotions to showcase seasonal, local, and featured grocery products. Collaborate with the marketing team to highlight unique product offerings. Stay informed about market trends and customer preferences to drive sales. Additional Responsibilities Participate in storewide initiatives, meetings, and events as required. Keep the Store Manager informed of any issues, challenges, or opportunities. Assist with special order systems and ensure efficient department functioning. Clearly explain the Co-op's membership system while promoting and upholding its Principles and Mission. Perform other tasks assigned by the Store Manager. Requirements Qualifications Minimum of 2 years in a grocery department or similar role, with at least 1 year in a leadership position. Experience working with vendors and negotiating pricing preferred. Knowledge of food safety regulations and industry best practices. Strong leadership and organizational abilities. Excellent customer service and communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams), inventory management systems, and scheduling software (e.g., Paylocity). Understanding of merchandising techniques, inventory control, and financial management. Physical Requirements Ability to stand for extended periods of time, with frequent movement around the store. Manual dexterity to handle and stock products, operate equipment, and perform other department tasks. Ability to reach, grasp, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds, both individually and with assistance. Ability to push, pull, and maneuver carts, pallets, and equipment throughout the department and store. Must be able to work in varying temperature conditions, including refrigerated and frozen storage areas. Benefits at the Co-op Up to 25% staff discount & access to wholesale orders Great medical/dental/vision and supplemental insurance options 401(k) w/match Paid time off Pay on Demand Potential year-end bonus Access to employee assistance program Equal Opportunity Statement The Community Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Important Disclaimer: Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the Co-op, even if doing so requires actions or responsibilities not listed in the above job description. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned which are not considered essential and may not be listed here.

Responsibilities

The Grocery Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and daily operations of the Grocery Department, overseeing a team and ensuring high-quality store conditioning and customer service. They are accountable for meeting financial goals, driving sales, and maintaining operational efficiency while upholding food safety and compliance standards.