General Manager

General ManagerAshland Food Co-op – Ashland, OregonRetained Search Partner: The Carlisle GroupSalary Range: $150,000 – $170,000The Carlisle Group is pleased to be partnered on a retained search with Ashland Food Co-op in the search for their next General Manager.About Ashland Food Co-opAshland Food Co-op is a community-owned natural foods grocery cooperative that has served Southern Oregon for over five decades. Known for its deep commitment to local food systems, sustainability, and cooperative values, the Co-op plays a central role in the Ashland community.The organization is guided by its Vision, Mission, Cooperative Principles, and Strategic Priorities, with a strong focus on supporting local producers, providing exceptional products and service, and fostering an inclusive and engaged workplace.The General Manager will lead the organization in collaboration with the Board of Directors, ensuring operational excellence while advancing the cooperative's mission and long-term strategic goals.Why Ashland, Oregon?Ashland is widely regarded as one of the most desirable small cities in the Pacific Northwest.Nestled at the base of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges, Ashland offers an exceptional quality of life combining outdoor adventure, arts, and culinary culture.Highlights of living in Ashland include:Home of the internationally renowned Oregon Shakespeare FestivalA vibrant downtown filled with independent restaurants, shops, and galleriesImmediate access to hiking, skiing, rafting, and outdoor recreationA thriving local food and wine cultureClose proximity to Crater Lake National Park, the Rogue River, and the Oregon coastAshland offers the rare combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community, making it an exceptional place to live and lead.Job PurposeThe General Manager provides overall leadership for the organization by carrying out the Vision, Mission, Cooperative Principles, Strategic Plans, and Goals established by the Board of Directors and outlined in the Cooperative's Bylaws.The role is responsible for ensuring the long-term financial health, operational success, and community impact of the cooperative.Overview of ResponsibilitiesFinancial Leadership & Strategic PlanningDevelop and recommend long- and short-range strategic plans aligned with cooperative prioritiesPrepare and manage annual operating and capital budgetsReport regularly to the Board on financial performance and operational resultsMonitor budget performance and provide financial analysisApprove capital expenditures within approved budgetsCoordinate financing initiatives and negotiate with financial institutionsOversee capital structure, working capital levels, and banking relationshipsStore OperationsEnsure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, licenses, and health requirementsOversee adherence to product standards and purchasing guidelinesMaintain facilities, equipment, and infrastructureManage vendor and contractor relationships for building and equipment improvementsEnsure appropriate insurance coverage and risk managementMaintain security of facilities, inventory, and assetsStay informed on trends and developments in the natural foods and cooperative grocery industryMarketing & Sales LeadershipOversee development of marketing and advertising strategiesEstablish storewide sales and customer service goalsEnsure pricing strategies balance value, margin, and marketing objectivesGuide merchandising and store layout improvementsMaintain positive relationships with local businesses and community partnersOwner & Community EngagementPresent regularly at Owner meetingsPrepare the General Manager report for the newsletter and Annual ReportProvide opportunities for owner input and engagementRespond to owner feedback and requestsOversee owner programs and outreach initiativesEnsure proper management of owner share purchases and recordsRepresent the Co-op at community events and functionsManagement Team LeadershipDefine and maintain the organizational structure of the management teamHire and supervise department managersFacilitate management meetings and collaborative decision-makingFoster cooperation and trust among leaders and employeesEnsure departments maintain appropriate staffing and training levelsProvide coaching, mentoring, and formal performance evaluationsEstablish performance objectives aligned with strategic plansPromote a culture of learning, education, and professional developmentPeople & CultureEnsure a safe and healthy workplaceOversee development and implementation of equitable personnel policiesEnsure compliance with employment policies and labor regulationsOversee hiring, evaluation, and development of management staffApprove compensation adjustments beyond standard hourly increasesEnsure effective onboarding, training, and development programsMaintain clear job descriptions and evaluation processesBoard of Directors PartnershipCarry out Board policies and directivesProvide information and insights to support Board decision-makingServe as the primary communication liaison between the Board, management, and employeesAttend Board meetings, Finance Committee meetings, and other meetings as requestedSupport Board orientation and governance educationKey Leadership CompetenciesSuccessful candidates will demonstrate strength in:Problem SolvingIdentifies and resolves issues in a timely and thoughtful mannerUses data and analysis to inform decisionsContinuously improves processes and systemsPeople LeadershipDevelops employees and encourages professional growthProvides clear performance feedbackBuilds trust and strong working relationshipsAdaptabilityNavigates change and competing priorities effectivelyMaintains composure during uncertainty or rapid changeDependabilityDemonstrates accountability and follow-throughMeets commitments and deadlinesMaintains strong alignment with Board directionQuality & ExecutionDemonstrates attention to detail and operational excellenceSeeks opportunities to improve performance and outcomesProject ManagementDevelops and executes project plansEnsures initiatives are completed on time and within budgetLeadershipBuilds alignment around organizational goalsEncourages open dialogue and constructive feedbackCreates a culture of collaboration and shared purposeQualificationsTo perform successfully in this role, candidates should demonstrate:Communication SkillsAbility to communicate complex information clearly in written and verbal formatsExperience presenting to leadership groups and teamsFinancial AcumenUnderstanding of financial statements, reports, and budgetingAbility to forecast and interpret financial performanceAnalytical ThinkingAbility to evaluate complex situations involving multiple variablesStrong prioritization and decision-making skillsTechnical SkillsProficiency with common office software including spreadsheets, word processing, and email systemsA Unique Leadership OpportunityThis is an opportunity to lead a mission-driven cooperative grocery at the center of one of the Pacific Northwest's most vibrant communities.Ashland Food Co-op offers the chance to combine values-driven leadership, natural foods retail expertise, and community impact in a place where food, sustainability, and culture are deeply connected.Requirements:Retail grocery experience desired, ideally at a Store Manager level or higher. Familiarity with how stores operate to meet goals, with an understanding of key metrics.Strategic thinking: Thinks conceptually, imaginatively and systematically about the success of the co-op, while considering the big picture and the long term.The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of potential geographic considerations. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and other relevant factors. Benefits are subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents.