General Manager
Ashland Food Co-op – Ashland, Oregon
Retained Search Partner: The Carlisle Group
Salary Range: $150,000 – $170,000
The Carlisle Group is pleased to be partnered on a retained search with Ashland Food Co-op in the search for their next General Manager.
About Ashland Food Co-op
Ashland Food Co-op is a community-owned natural foods grocery cooperative that has served Southern Oregon for over five decades. Known for its deep commitment to local food systems, sustainability, and cooperative values, the Co-op plays a central role in the Ashland community.
The organization is guided by its Vision, Mission, Cooperative Principles, and Strategic Priorities, with a strong focus on supporting local producers, providing exceptional products and service, and fostering an inclusive and engaged workplace.
The General Manager will lead the organization in collaboration with the Board of Directors, ensuring operational excellence while advancing the cooperative’s mission and long-term strategic goals.
Why Ashland, Oregon?
Ashland is widely regarded as one of the most desirable small cities in the Pacific Northwest.
Nestled at the base of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges, Ashland offers an exceptional quality of life combining outdoor adventure, arts, and culinary culture.
Highlights of living in Ashland include:
- Home of the internationally renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival
- A vibrant downtown filled with independent restaurants, shops, and galleries
- Immediate access to hiking, skiing, rafting, and outdoor recreation
- A thriving local food and wine culture
- Close proximity to Crater Lake National Park, the Rogue River, and the Oregon coast
Ashland offers the rare combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community, making it an exceptional place to live and lead.
Job Purpose
The General Manager provides overall leadership for the organization by carrying out the Vision, Mission, Cooperative Principles, Strategic Plans, and Goals established by the Board of Directors and outlined in the Cooperative’s Bylaws.
The role is responsible for ensuring the long-term financial health, operational success, and community impact of the cooperative.
Overview of Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Develop and recommend long- and short-range strategic plans aligned with cooperative priorities
- Prepare and manage annual operating and capital budgets
- Report regularly to the Board on financial performance and operational results
- Monitor budget performance and provide financial analysis
- Approve capital expenditures within approved budgets
- Coordinate financing initiatives and negotiate with financial institutions
- Oversee capital structure, working capital levels, and banking relationships
Store Operations
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, licenses, and health requirements
- Oversee adherence to product standards and purchasing guidelines
- Maintain facilities, equipment, and infrastructure
- Manage vendor and contractor relationships for building and equipment improvements
- Ensure appropriate insurance coverage and risk management
- Maintain security of facilities, inventory, and assets
- Stay informed on trends and developments in the natural foods and cooperative grocery industry
Marketing & Sales Leadership
- Oversee development of marketing and advertising strategies
- Establish storewide sales and customer service goals
- Ensure pricing strategies balance value, margin, and marketing objectives
- Guide merchandising and store layout improvements
- Maintain positive relationships with local businesses and community partners
Owner & Community Engagement
- Present regularly at Owner meetings
- Prepare the General Manager report for the newsletter and Annual Report
- Provide opportunities for owner input and engagement
- Respond to owner feedback and requests
- Oversee owner programs and outreach initiatives
- Ensure proper management of owner share purchases and records
- Represent the Co-op at community events and functions
Management Team Leadership
- Define and maintain the organizational structure of the management team
- Hire and supervise department managers
- Facilitate management meetings and collaborative decision-making
- Foster cooperation and trust among leaders and employees
- Ensure departments maintain appropriate staffing and training levels
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and formal performance evaluations
- Establish performance objectives aligned with strategic plans
- Promote a culture of learning, education, and professional development
People & Culture
- Ensure a safe and healthy workplace
- Oversee development and implementation of equitable personnel policies
- Ensure compliance with employment policies and labor regulations
- Oversee hiring, evaluation, and development of management staff
- Approve compensation adjustments beyond standard hourly increases
- Ensure effective onboarding, training, and development programs
- Maintain clear job descriptions and evaluation processes
Board of Directors Partnership
- Carry out Board policies and directives
- Provide information and insights to support Board decision-making
- Serve as the primary communication liaison between the Board, management, and employees
- Attend Board meetings, Finance Committee meetings, and other meetings as requested
- Support Board orientation and governance education
Key Leadership Competencies
Successful candidates will demonstrate strength in:
Problem Solving
- Identifies and resolves issues in a timely and thoughtful manner
- Uses data and analysis to inform decisions
- Continuously improves processes and systems
People Leadership
- Develops employees and encourages professional growth
- Provides clear performance feedback
- Builds trust and strong working relationships
Adaptability
- Navigates change and competing priorities effectively
- Maintains composure during uncertainty or rapid change
Dependability
- Demonstrates accountability and follow-through
- Meets commitments and deadlines
- Maintains strong alignment with Board direction
Quality & Execution
- Demonstrates attention to detail and operational excellence
- Seeks opportunities to improve performance and outcomes
Project Management
- Develops and executes project plans
- Ensures initiatives are completed on time and within budget
Leadership
- Builds alignment around organizational goals
- Encourages open dialogue and constructive feedback
- Creates a culture of collaboration and shared purpose
Qualifications
To perform successfully in this role, candidates should demonstrate:
Communication Skills
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly in written and verbal formats
- Experience presenting to leadership groups and teams
Financial Acumen
- Understanding of financial statements, reports, and budgeting
- Ability to forecast and interpret financial performance
Analytical Thinking
- Ability to evaluate complex situations involving multiple variables
- Strong prioritization and decision-making skills
Technical Skills
- Proficiency with common office software including spreadsheets, word processing, and email systems
A Unique Leadership Opportunity
This is an opportunity to lead a mission-driven cooperative grocery at the center of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most vibrant communities.
Ashland Food Co-op offers the chance to combine values-driven leadership, natural foods retail expertise, and community impact in a place where food, sustainability, and culture are deeply connected.
Requirements:
Retail grocery experience desired, ideally at a Store Manager level or higher. Familiarity with how stores operate to meet goals, with an understanding of key metrics.
Strategic thinking: Thinks conceptually, imaginatively and systematically about the success of the co-op, while considering the big picture and the long term.
The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of potential geographic considerations. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and other relevant factors. Benefits are subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents.
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