Grocery Operations Manager

Good Foods Co-op Inc • Lexington, KY

1d

About The Position

Good Foods Co-op is a community-owned natural foods grocery dedicated to building a more equitable and sustainable food system, supporting local farmers and producers, and creating a welcoming, inclusive shopping experience. This hands-on leadership role coordinates purchasing activities, manages product categories, maintains accurate pricing, and supports effective inventory management throughout the Grocery Department.

Working closely with the Grocery Department Manager, the position supports thoughtful product selection, competitive pricing, product availability, and department profitability. It also provides leadership, training, and daily operational support to grocery buyers. The role helps maintain purchasing decisions, pricing accuracy, and inventory systems while developing a knowledgeable buying team and supporting the Co-op’s success.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of grocery, retail purchasing, buying, or related operational experience.
• At least 1 year of management or supervisory experience.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of grocery purchasing, inventory management, product pricing, and category management.
• Experience working with vendors, purchasing systems, and inventory processes.
• Comfort using spreadsheets, inventory management software, and sales reporting tools.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when managing pricing and product information.
• Ability to analyze sales trends, margins, and product movement to support purchasing decisions.
• Enjoys training, coaching, and developing employees.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Reliable, adaptable, and solution-focused.
• Strong interest in natural and organic foods and cooperative values.
• Availability to work flexible schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs and work in varied retail and storage environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly and team lift over 100 lbs as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage, support, and work alongside grocery buyers.
• Coordinate purchasing activities, ordering processes, and inventory replenishment.
• Assist with employee scheduling, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance evaluations.
• Provide leadership, coaching, accountability, and ongoing development to the buying team.
• Oversee product pricing, price updates, and the accuracy of product information and retail pricing.
• Support category management, including product selection, assortment planning, and product performance analysis.
• Monitor product costs, margins, inventory turns, sales trends, and purchasing efficiency.
• Help identify new products, evaluate underperforming items, and maintain an assortment that reflects customer needs and Co-op values.
• Support vendor relationships, product sourcing, purchasing terms, and promotional opportunities.
• Ensure accurate ordering, invoicing, receiving documentation, vendor credits, and inventory records.
• Monitor out-of-stocks, overstock, shrink, and inventory performance.
• Coordinate promotional pricing, product changes, and seasonal purchasing initiatives.
• Support inventory counts, reporting, and accurate inventory management systems.
• Collaborate with the Grocery Operations Manager to support product availability, merchandising, and pricing accuracy on the sales floor.
• Assist the Grocery Department Manager with purchasing strategies, department financial goals, and operational improvements.

Benefits

• Competitive wage based on experience.
• Leadership development and growth opportunities.
• Dynamic and collaborative team environment.
• Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance after 90 days.
• 401(k) with employer match after 1 year.
• Store discount for all employees.
• Paid vacation time for all employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed