GENERAL MANAGER NATURAL FOODS CO-OPERATIVE STORE

ORGANIZATION: Raymond Avenue Co-operative at Hampden, Inc., DBA Hampden Park Co-op

CATEGORY: Administration and Management

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
Hampden Park Co-op (HPC) has been a part of the Twin Cities co-op community since 1973. It was formerly known as Saint Anthony Park Foods Too (SAP Too) and Green Grass Community Grocery. With a vital and growing membership committed to wholesome foods and the cooperative spirit, HPC has an established presence and relationship with our community and continues to be responsive to its needs. We continue to try to achieve responsibility to our environment and our bodies through good foods and green living.

SALARY: Salaried Position: Salary is competitive and negotiable, DOQ    TYPE: Full Time / 40 hours    DEADLINE: 10 August 2009, 5:00 pm

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Hampden Park Co-op (HPC), an independent, well-established Twin Cities natural foods co-operative, is looking for a new general manager. This person will be able to oversee the operations of the HPC grocery store; create a cohesive and collegial management team and staff that are supportive, synergistic, and working towards the success of the cooperative; meet the criteria of the GENERAL MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION; and meet goals and objectives established by the board of directors. Reports to the board of directors and supervises any and all employees and volunteers.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
QUALIFICATIONS
• Natural foods or grocery retail management experience
• Experience with natural foods
• Experience with or familiarity with cooperative structure
• Human resources: supervisory/management/team building experience, especially knowledge and skills in hiring, evaluating, and employment processes
• Excellent communications skills, written and verbal
• Computer skills: knowledge and use of hardware including pc, printer, scanner, fax, product bar coding systems, POS systems, and cash registers, as well as software such as MS Office Suite (word processing, spreadsheet, database, publication), QuickBooks, or the equivalent
• Financial experience: ability to budget and produce financials, interpret both for strategic planning and successful communication to general membership
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple demands as well as delegate responsibilities
• Regular and predictable attendance
• Excellent time management and follow-up skills
• Experience working with board of directors and volunteers
• Bachelor’s degree

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
HISTORY
Hampden Park Co-op (HPC) has been a part of the Twin Cities co-op community since 1973. It was formerly known as Saint Anthony Park Foods Too (SAP Too) and Green Grass Community Grocery. With a vital and growing membership committed to wholesome foods and the cooperative spirit, HPC has an established presence and relationship with our community and continues to be responsive to its needs. We continue to try to achieve responsibility to our environment and our bodies through good foods and green living.


OUR STORE CARRIES:
• Complete line of bulk grains, beans, rice, nuts, vegetables, fruits and spices
• Fish, meats, dairy, cheese and soy foods
• Unique gifts, books and house wares
• Vitamins, supplements, and health and beauty products
• Freshly prepared soups, sandwiches, salads, salsa, hummus, relishes and dips.
• Our deli area is ever-expanding and we endeavor to develop and explore new recipes that will excite and nurture our loyal clientele.


STRUCTURE
Hampden Park Co-op became a legal co-op on July 1st, 1993. The co-op follows the Statement on Cooperative Identity established by the International Cooperative Alliance. Originally known as the Rochdale Principles, these statements can be summarized as follows:
• Voluntary and open membership
• Democratic member control
• Member economic participation
• Autonomy and independence
• Education, training and information
• Cooperation among cooperatives
• Concern for community


CO-OP STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
HPC is purposely understaffed because we value and seek to utilize our member volunteers. There are about 25 part-time and full-time paid staff including a general manager, assistant managers, and coordinators who place and receive orders, manage the store, and direct staff and volunteers. The co-op has approximately 450 volunteers.


BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is elected by the membership. The board represents the interests of the membership in setting policy and direction for store operations, and also oversees the management of the co-op through the general manager.


MEMBERSHIP AT HAMPDEN PARK CO-OP
Membership is achieved by the purchase of a single share of stock for a one-time cost of $30. Members may volunteer in the store and receive discounts on their purchases.

HOW TO APPLY:
To obtain an APPLICATION PACKET, email: kglgrbg@comcast.net with “GM AP Packet” in subject line.

Completed APPLICATION, COVER LETTER and RESUME/CURRICULUM VITAE should be emailed to: kglgrbg@comcast.net. Indicate “CANDIDATE” in subject line.

The APPLICATION, COVER LETTER and RESUME/ CURRICULUM VITAE may also be delivered in person, to: Hampden Park Co-op, 928 Raymond Avenue N., St. Paul, MN 55114-1125, no later than 5:00 pm (CDT) August 10th, 2009.