Organization: Kootenay Country Store Co-operative
Location: Nelson, West Kootenay, British Columbia
The Kootenay Co-op is seeking a General Manager with solid retail grocery
experience to make a significa
nt difference to community well-being. We are a
dynamic consumer-owned food cooperative that is a major presence in the vibrant
community of Nelson, British Columbia. We have 13,000 member-owners, over 100
staff and annual sales of $13.3 million (2015). We actively promote local
farmers and suppliers and last year donated over $100,000 to community groups.
In Fall 2016, after 41 successful years of operation, the store will move into
our own custom-built 20,000-square foot premises.
About the job:
The GM is responsible for the overall management of the Co-op and its ancillary
operations. As a “leader of leaders,” the General Manager will:
• Demonstrate understanding of how to engage member-owners and work effectively
with Board members and other volunteers.
• Balance a talent for role clarification, personal humility and professional
effectiveness in leading and mentoring strong teams of managers and staff.
• Lead by example in promoting integrity, respect, transparency,
responsibility, accountability and initiative at all levels of the
organization.
• Build a shared sense of purpose and enthusiasm around an organizational
culture based on the Cooperative Principles.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills orally and in writing, using
appropriate processes for different purposes.
• Apply emotional intelligence to identify and manage his or her emotions and
those of others in order to enhance problem-solving, collaboration and the
working environment.
• Create a safe environment in which to solicit, consider and apply varied
perspectives and critical thinking to improve service delivery, planning and
decision-making.
• Act as a role model to inspire Co-op managers and staff to high performance,
work-life balance and personal professional development.
• Apply a mature understanding of organizational development to introduce,
prioritize and manage innovation.
Our ideal candidate will have experience with: Bottom-line responsibility for
all aspects of running a large retail food enterprise, including strategic
planning, operations, capital and cash planning, forecasting and reporting,
perishable inventory, pricing strategy and margin control; foodservice
equipment and commercial building management; supervisory responsibilities,
such as hiring, training, evaluating and coaching, compensating, disciplining;
establishing shared goals within a management team; working directly with
boards of directors; communicating with the general public, media, businesses
and community organizations.
About our area: Located halfway between Vancouver and Calgary, surrounded by
the Selkirk Mountains on the shores of pristine Kootenay Lake, Nelson, BC, is
the hub of a thriving region famous for its all-season recreation, alternative
culture and arts scene. As the service centre for an area population of about
75,000, and home to over 350 restored heritage buildings, Nelson has a diverse
economy with unique shopping opportunities and many exceptional educational
programs for children and youth. Thanks to the mild climate, you can ski
without freezing in the winter and fish without scorching in the summer. This makes
Nelson a paradise for outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
How to Apply:
Please submit your résumé with a cover letter describing your suitability to:
gmsearch@kootenay.coop
Submissions will be accepted through Feb 26th.
Kootenay Co-op offers a competitive salary and benefits package.