As the Frederic Grocery Coop prepares to take ownership of the store and begin operations soon, we’re building the team that will help bring our community-owned grocery store to life.

View our current openings below.

GENERAL MANAGER

We are now seeking a General Manager who is excited by both the opportunity and the challenge of helping lead that transition and building the operational foundation for the Cooperative’s future.

The Opportunity

This is not simply a traditional grocery store management position.

The General Manager will play a central role in transitioning an existing independent grocery store into a successful community-owned cooperative. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the GM will help establish operational systems, build and lead the staff team, strengthen financial performance, oversee inventory and merchandising, support planned facility improvements, and create a welcoming grocery store that reflects the needs of the Frederic community.

The ideal candidate is a practical, hands-on leader who can move comfortably between big-picture planning and day-to-day store operations. We are looking for someone who can build systems, solve problems, develop people, understand the numbers, and create a strong culture of accountability and service.

Key Responsibilities

Store Operations

• Oversee all day-to-day grocery store operations.

• Establish and maintain effective systems for purchasing, receiving, inventory management, pricing, merchandising, shrink control, and product rotation.

• Maintain high standards for store cleanliness, organization, food safety, customer service, and regulatory compliance.

• Evaluate store performance and continually identify opportunities to improve efficiency, sales, margins, and the customer experience.

• Help guide implementation of new operational technology, including POS, inventory, accounting, and member-management systems.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with the Board.

• Monitor sales, gross margin, labor costs, inventory, expenses, cash flow, and other key performance indicators.

• Provide clear and timely financial and operational reporting to the Board of Directors.

• Manage the store with a strong understanding of the relationship between mission and financial sustainability.

• Identify opportunities to increase revenue, manage costs, and strengthen long-term profitability.

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate store employees.

• Build a positive workplace culture centered on teamwork, accountability, communication, respect, and excellent service.

• Develop clear expectations, procedures, and training systems for employees.

• Coach and develop employees and department leaders.

• Ensure appropriate staffing levels while responsibly managing labor costs.

Cooperative Leadership & Member Service

• Serve as the primary operational leader of the Cooperative and work collaboratively with the Board of Directors.

• Help translate the Board’s strategic direction into effective store operations.

• Develop an understanding of cooperative principles and incorporate them into the store’s culture and decision-making.

• Build strong relationships with member-owners, customers, employees, vendors, and community partners.

• Support member engagement and help communicate the value of cooperative ownership.

• Maintain a clear distinction between Board governance and General Manager operational responsibilities.

Transition & Growth

• Help lead the transition from the existing privately owned grocery business to cooperative ownership.

• Assist with establishing and documenting policies, procedures, systems, vendor relationships, staffing structures, and operational standards.

• Participate in planning and implementation of anticipated building renovations and store improvements.

• Work with the Board to establish priorities for the Cooperative’s first years of operation.

• Help create a grocery store that balances affordability, accessibility, product quality, financial sustainability, and responsiveness to community needs.

Qualifications

We recognize that strong candidates may come from different professional backgrounds. We encourage applicants who have substantial relevant leadership experience even if they have not previously managed a food cooperative.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Grocery, retail, food cooperative, or related management experience.

• Experience managing employees and building effective teams.

• Experience with budgeting, financial statements, inventory management, purchasing, and operational performance.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to develop systems and procedures in a changing environment.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Comfort working with a governing Board of Directors.

• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the cooperative business model and cooperative principles.

• Ability to balance community mission with the financial realities of operating a successful grocery business.

Previous food cooperative management experience is highly valued but is not required.

What We’re Looking For

Our next General Manager should be someone who:

• Leads by example and is willing to be hands-on when necessary.

• Builds trust with employees, customers, member-owners, and the community.

• Is financially disciplined and comfortable making decisions based on data.

• Can create structure and systems while remaining adaptable.

• Communicates openly and effectively with the Board and staff.

• Understands that excellent customer service and strong community relationships are essential to the success of a rural grocery store.

• Is energized by the opportunity to help build something that will have a lasting impact on the Frederic community.

Compensation

Salary: $55,000–$65,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Additional benefits and employment terms will be discussed during the hiring process.

About Frederic

Frederic is a small community in northwest Wisconsin where the local grocery store plays an important role far beyond simply selling food. Frederic Grocery Cooperative represents a community-led effort to ensure that residents continue to have convenient access to groceries while keeping this essential business locally rooted.

For the right person, this position offers the opportunity to do more than manage a store. It is an opportunity to help shape the future of a community-owned business from its earliest days.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your relevant experience and why you are interested in leading Frederic Grocery Cooperative. Resume/Cover Letter to FredericGroceryCoop@gmail.com

The position will remain open until September 30, 2026.

Frederic Grocery Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: From $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person