The Skagit Valley Food Co-op is looking for a Director of Operations to help facilitate the continued success of our Co-op. With $26 million in annual sales and 180 employees, this position plays a pivotal role in providing leadership and strategic planning for our Co-op. This person will also have the potential of positioning themselves to be a potential successor for our current General Manager when he retires in 2026.
The Director of Operations is responsible to the General Manager to achieve or surpass planned goals for targeted sales, gross profit, product turnover, and labor while operating within the Skagit Valley Food Co-op's philosophy, policies and procedures. Is responsible for planning and directing merchandising and operational goals in conjunction with the General Manager and in accordance with the Co-op's overall policies and business plans. Develops financial forecasts of sales, profit margins, labor and earnings. In the event that the GM is unable to perform their duties, the Operations Director may be asked to assume the GM role on an interim basis.
This position is accountable to the General Manager. Directs and supervises the Location Managers, POS/IT and Department Managers. Works in conjunction with the Finance Director, Food Service Director, Marketing Director, Facilities Director, and Human Resources Director. Interacts with members, the general community, vendors, employees, the cooperative community, and the Co-op's Board of Directors.
Primary Job Duties:
Employment Policies • Ensures that the practices of the Co-op and the policies in the Employee Handbook are fairly and consistently enforced. • Ensures that all grievance procedures and disciplinary procedures are followed.
General Job Duties and Responsibilities • In conjunction with the GM, responsible for the preparation of annual budget in the area of sales, margin and inventory levels and turnover.
o Is responsible for achieving set goals. • In conjunction with the GM, is responsible for the preparation of an Operation Budget and Business plan. • Implements budget in daily operations with timely reviews for adjustments. • Coordinates meetings with direct reports to monitor goals and performance. • Runs regular Operations Meetings with key operational staff. • Coordinates with and solicits information from other Directors to help promote the success of the Co-op. • Plans and develops department specific annual plans and goals with department managers • Flexible schedule - ability to work weekends/evenings as needed or assigned. • On a regular basis review and respond to feedback from members/customers and Department Managers. • Ensures that price surveys, follows local market developments and general consumer trends. • Has oversight and attends promotional team meetings. • Coordinates with department managers on sampling events and special promotions. • Directs the daily operations of the store.
Director Team Member • Attend Director Team meetings and all-staff meetings.
o Participate in the Co-op's strategic conversations. • Perform other tasks assigned by the GM.
Employee Relations • In conjunction with the GM, participates in the hiring, development, retention and performance reviews of direct reports. • Is responsive to issues that affect employee satisfaction and/or understanding. • In conjunction with the HR Director, develops programs to recognize and appreciate employees. • In conjunction and under the direction of the GM, educates employees in product knowledge, environment awareness, safety standards, job skills, life skills, and the business of the Co-op. • Direct Department Managers to conduct timely and meaningful performance evaluations. • Consults with employees as needed and requested.
Leadership and Management • Supports and promotes ways to actualize the Co-op's mission and vision. • Models the Behavioral Standards. • Identifies and develops solutions to problems. • Helps to manage and balance change. • Strong conflict resolution skills and leadership modeling. • Understands the Personnel Policies and is able to answer employee questions. • Is prepared to discuss department and individual issues in regular meetings with the GM. • Observes safety and health standards; applies the principles of accident prevention; maintains a safe work environment. • Seeks ways to improve the Co-op through customer service, operations, and merchandising.
Qualifications and Skills
Business degree or equivalent experience preferred.
3+ years' experience in management in the natural/Co-op retail food industry.
Specialized knowledge: grocery retail working knowledge, to include profit and loss analysis, buying, budgeting, merchandising, inventory control, margin control, labor control, and customer service.
Special skills: computer knowledge (excel, word, outlook) and data analysis.
Supervisory skills: proven experience of at least 3-5 years.
Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership skills.
Essential Physical Requirements
Ability to sit, stand, walk for 8 hours a day.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
Ability to use hands for keyboard, pulling and pushing standard office supplies and equipment.
Ability to bend, squat, reach on an occasional basis.
Must be able to climb stairs repeatedly.
Benefits
25% Employee Discount
Lunch Discount
Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
Long Term Disability
Life Insurance
401(k)
Paid Time Off
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICE: The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that the employee may be required to perform. The Co-op reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations or a work environment change.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.