TCG has been retained to search for the 1st General Manager of Prairie Food Co-op in Lombard, IL!

Prairie Food Co-op is a community-owned and democratically operated grocery store dedicated to strengthening their economy and creating a marketplace for transparently labeled, local, organic, and sustainable food. This Brand-New Grocery Co-op located in the Western Chicago Suburb is going to be just under 8,000sqft with about 5,650sqft in retail space, and is planning and designing for the future in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Lombard (population 44,500), otherwise known as the Lilac Village, is located 19 miles/30 minutes from the heart of the city, a trip into downtown Chicago is just a train, bus, or car ride away. DuPage County where Lombard sits is home to 60 forest preserves nearing 26,000 acres of protected prairie, several of the state's top school districts and has two major walking/biking/horseback riding rail-trails passing through.

Cooperative businesses are member-owned, democratic institutions. They are controlled by a member-elected Board of Directors and abide by the Seven International Cooperative Principles, which include:

1. Voluntary, Open Ownership
2. Democratic Owner Control
3. Owner Economic Participation
4. Autonomy And Independence
5. Education, Training And Information
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
7. Concern For The Community

PFC exists so that…

…there is a community-owned grocery store in DuPage county that provides a welcoming, engaging, and inclusive food experience.

…customers and owners have access to products from local, organic and fair-trade farmers and artisans, thereby supporting a broader food economy.

…owners, customers, employees, and management can share a safe and respectful environment that fosters open communication and embodies the overall mission.

…the community has open access to ongoing educational programming related to the impact and benefits of supporting the food ecosystem.

…a vibrant gathering place, operated in a financially viable, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner, will be available for generations to come.

The General Manager will truly be the Operations guru, and will structure the entire business operation, select vendors, and stock the floor, hire, and train the staff and introduce the unique concept to the public at large. The General Manager reports to the Board of Directors under the policy governance model.

The ideal candidate should have the drive, personality, and leadership skills to motivate and encourage staff to provide the appropriate responsive and enjoyable customer environment and be able to address the concerns and needs of a wide group of stakeholders in this enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

Financial and Planning

• Develop and recommend to Board long-and short-range plans for success.
• Develop operating, cash, and capital budgets for Board approval; interpret financial information for laypeople.
• Direct all financial operations of the cooperative.
• Investigate new products and services opportunities.
• Provide information to the Board in a timely manner.
• Participate in regional and national Co-op and industry events.

Operations

• Initially focus on optimal store layout, flow and décor and contract with vendors, distributors, and local providers for opening inventory.
• Ensure a profitable, growing business.
• Maintain knowledge of natural foods retailing and industry trends.
• Identify and maintain appropriate relations with wholesale distributors, local markets, and other industry sources.
• Ensure the establishment and maintenance of a product mix that meets shopper/member needs.
• Plan and execute a margin strategy designed to be price competitive and maintain adequate profit for growth.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws regarding licenses, permits, health regulations, employment, etc.

Personnel

• Oversee compliance with PFC’s personnel policies and update as needed.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate, management staff, including taking disciplinary action as needed.
• Develop a staff organizational structure that promotes fair distribution of work while maintaining maximum service to customers.
• Prepare a yearly payroll budget that meets operating budget constraints.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, healthy workplace for employees.
• Ensure adequate training of staff.

Marketing:

Limited responsibilities initially as-needed support for current Ownership & Outreach/Communications Committees until further notice but may include any of the following:

• Develop an advertising, marketing, and community outreach strategy to increase public awareness of PFC’s products and services.
• Execute the advertising and marketing plan within budgetary guidelines.
• Aggressively communicate information about the business to the membership through newsletter, social media and an annual report.
• Prepare or oversee store displays, signage, and other promotions to maximize marketing impact.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Board of Directors

Required Qualifications:

• Financial management experience.
• Track record of success in the retail grocery industry.
• Skilled at building and leading teams.
• Embraces Co-op mission, structure, values and Ends.
• Experience managing growth and change.
• Entrepreneurial and focused on long-term growth.
• Experience developing and monitoring systems.
• Courageous leadership style.
• Self-motivated and autonomous.
• Experience with or desire to work with a Board of Directors in a collaborative environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strategic thinking.
• Experience developing and managing administrative and retail functions.
• Business Planning.
• Financial Reporting.
• Experience with aligning stakeholders toward a common goal.
• Flexible and agile.
• Timely and accurate reporting, as well as responsive communications with Board.
• Passionate about customer service and community engagement.
• Positive outlook and collaborative team player.