Operations Manager at Caledonia Food Cooperative Inc – St Johnsbury, Vermont

About Caledonia Food Co-op

Caledonia Food Co-op is a member-owned grocery store that draws together the diverse communities of Caledonia County and surrounding areas in an inclusive space supporting food justice, local resilience, environmental stewardship, area food producers and a vibrant downtown St. Johnsbury.

Essential Job Duties

• Supervise all retail departments including Checkout setting performance expectations and counseling management/staff as appropriate
• Monitor and ensure direct and indirect expenses, including labor within budget constraints
• Comply with all applicable regulations related to business licenses, health regulations, security, OSHA, food safety, and sanitation
• “Lead by example” following Co-op policies and procedures. Be an example to all store personnel by being well versed in store policies and procedures.
• Work with General Manager and other management staff to ensure smooth day-to-day store operations
• Ensure a strong management presence is always in the store, including coverage for other managers as needed
• Resolve customer concerns and complaints
• Facilitate company growth through improved customer service and engagement.
• Communication with staff members should be clear, direct, and respectful in a style appropriate to a “cooperative” work environment.
• Recruit, mentor and develop department managers and nurture an environment where they can excel through encouragement and empowerment.
• Promote team building and motivate staff to accomplish assigned goals.
• Ensure employee evaluations are thorough and completed on time
• Review and approve weekly departmental schedules
• Ensure all departmental displays are current and properly signed, and priced
• Facilitate monthly merchandise/sales meetings with department managers
• Ensure that the store and exterior are in clean and orderly condition and meet Health Department standards
• Ensure employee performance evaluations are thorough and completed on time

Additional Duties

• Attend management meetings and Board of Director meetings as required
• Assist in special projects/duties as assigned by General Manager

Essential Skills

• Experience in retail food store environment (preferable in natural foods industry)
• General understanding of all department operations
• Operations and management experience: hiring, training, terminating, and evaluating personnel
• Good customer service skills for internal and external customers
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management
• Ability to handle multiple demands, work under time pressure, and meet deadlines
• Willingness to be open, to learn, and to take on new responsibilities/challenges
• Demonstrate objectivity, neutrality, and calmness under pressure
• Ability to take direction and work independently
• Good computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft applications, email, etc.
• Must have good analytical ability and be proficient in math
• Food safety certified

Essential & Mental Physical Requirements

• Works independently with limited guidance
• Performs a variety of tasks independently as dictated by organizational demands
• Relates information to diverse individuals both orally and in writing
• Standing for long periods, bending, walking, reaching, and sitting
• Ability to climb up and down stepladders and stairs daily
• Able to lift and carry up 50 lbs. as needed

Experience and Educational Requirements

• A minimum of four years’ experience in a Store Manager role or an Operations Manage role.

Other Qualifications

• Ability to safely and successfully perform essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA & other federal, state & local standards - including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards
• Ability to maintain reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA & other federal, state and local standards
• Compliance with all personnel policies