General Manager

The Carlisle Group is currently conducting a retained search for the next General Manager of the amazing Ozark Natural Foods Co-op in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Since 1971, the Ozark Natural Foods Co-Op has been serving Fayetteville and the larger NWA area by providing fresh, responsibly-grown and sourced food; supporting local farmers, growers, and makers; and bringing together our community through a love of food that's good for us and our planet.

"Located in a region experiencing drastic growth, Fayetteville together with Bentonville, Rogers and Springdale has transformed from a small town to a center of higher education, culture, commerce and entrepreneurialism. The area known as Northwest Arkansas is the birthplace of Walmart, the headquarters of Tyson Foods and the home of the University of Arkansas, the flagship campus of the U of A system.

People from all over the world call Fayetteville home. Newcomers often comment on the friendliness of Fayetteville residents. People wave and smile at each other in the street, and community events are well-attended. With dozens of volunteer organizations and nonprofits, there's an abundance of ways to get involved in the community.

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville attracts outdoorsy types with its abundance of state parks, acres of community green space, playgrounds, parks and walking trails. The metro area also boasts a first-class performing arts center, an active local food movement, live music venues and a dynamic festival scene." - U.S. News & World Report.

Job Purpose

To lead our cooperative so that it achieves the Ends policies determined by our Board of Directors, as follows:

Because of The Co-op, there is a cooperative economy and a healthy, equitable community with:

• Trusted food, resources, and services
• A network of local producers
• A sustainable environment.

Overview of Responsibilities

The job of the General Manager is to ensure the achievement of organizational results as defined in the Ends policies and to avoid unacceptable conditions as defined in the Executive Limitations policies. The General Manager has the authority to use any reasonable interpretation of these policies in their work.

The General Manager is empowered to make all decisions, create all policies, and authorize all engagements that they can demonstrate to be consistent with a reasonable interpretation of Board policy. The General Manager also has the responsibility for hiring, inspiring, directing, and evaluating the members of the management team and overseeing all co-op staff members.

The General Manager's performance will be evaluated through systematic and rigorous monitoring of expectations established in the executive limitations including, asset protection, financial conditions, business planning and budgeting, staff relations (including compensation and benefits), membership, communication and counsel to the Board, management continuity, sustainability, and customer service, value and food education.

Reporting Relationships

The General Manager reports to the Board of Directors, which is elected by the members of the co-operative. The Board uses Policy Governance, a system that emphasizes vision and values empowerment and accountability. And which uses policies to define the results the General Manager is expected to achieve within defined limits of prudence and ethics.

Required Qualifications

• Financial Management
• Building and Leading Teams
• Professional Communication
• Messaging for Multiple Stakeholders
• Managing People
• Collaboration
• Retail Grocery Experience
• Accountability
• Service Mindset
• Self-awareness
• Embraces Cooperative Structure
• Values Outside Expertise

Highly Desired Qualifications

-Developing Talent

-Problem Solving

-Entrepreneurialism

-Negotiation

-Managing Retail and Administrative Functions Systems Development and Monitoring

-Developing Self

-Managing growth and Change

-Courage

Ozark Natural Foods is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. People of color, people with disabilities, veterans, women, and members of other historically marginalized communities are encouraged to apply. All applicants will be considered without regards to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sex, marital or parental status, disability, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis prohibited by law.