General Manager
About The Position
The General Manager is the chief executive of The Merc Co+op and is responsible for the cooperative’s overall leadership, financial health, operational performance, organizational culture, and strategic direction. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors under a Policy Governance model, the General Manager works with the leadership team to keep the cooperative financially strong, mission-driven, and connected to the community it serves. The role leads the organization in support of its mission, Ends Policies, and strategic goals; oversees financial and business performance; develops the Director team and organizational culture; provides oversight of retail operations and customer experience; and represents The Merc in the community. This is an exempt, full-time, on-site leadership position in Lawrence, Kansas. Its schedule is flexible according to organizational needs and may include daytime, evening, and weekend work, Board meetings, community events, and availability for significant operational or emergency situations.
Requirements
- Five or more years of progressive leadership experience in grocery retail, food retail, retail operations, cooperative management, or a related field.
- Experience leading managers, senior leaders, or multi-department operations.
- Strong financial and business acumen.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
- Ability to develop teams and navigate organizational change.
- Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a senior leadership role such as Director, Vice President, General Manager, Executive Director, or equivalent, with organization-wide responsibility.
- Experience working within a cooperative organization or with a Board of Directors.
Responsibilities
- Lead the organization in support of The Merc’s mission, Ends Policies, and strategic goals.
- Partner with the Board of Directors to support long-term organizational success.
- Provide regular updates on organizational performance, opportunities, and risks.
- Guide strategic initiatives and organizational planning.
- Oversee annual budgets, financial performance, and long-term sustainability.
- Monitor sales, labor, profitability, and key business metrics.
- Steward organizational resources responsibly and balance financial performance with mission-driven objectives.
- Lead, support, and develop the Director team.
- Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Support leadership development, succession planning, and employee engagement.
- Ensure alignment across departments and functions.
- Oversee store operations and customer experience.
- Support Directors and Managers in achieving operational goals.
- Promote operational excellence while preserving The Merc’s culture.
- Ensure a safe, welcoming, and effective environment for employees and customers.
- Represent The Merc in the community and build relationships with owners, customers, local producers, vendors, and community partners.
- Champion cooperative values and principles and support community engagement and cooperative education.
- Maintain a visible presence throughout the cooperative and serve in its emergency contact structure.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Employer-paid long-term disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Employee discount
- Financial planning resources
- Professional development opportunities
- Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating from outside the local area
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Education Level
No Education Listed
