now hiring

general manager

Lead a Thriving Community-Owned Grocery Cooperative

The Viroqua Food Co-op is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and values-driven General Manager to lead our community-owned grocery cooperative. This is an exceptional opportunity to guide a thriving, well‑established food co‑op in the vibrant community of Viroqua, Wisconsin. Join us in Vernon County, the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, a rural community known for outdoor recreation, a unique and thriving local food and arts culture, a strong agricultural community, and a commitment to sustainability.

About the Role

The General Manager serves as the co‑op’s chief executive officer and is responsible for overall organizational performance, financial sustainability, and long‑term strategic success. Reporting directly to a member-elected Board of Directors, this role oversees all operational functions while ensuring alignment with the co‑op’s mission, cooperative principles, and community values.

Benefits & Compensation

Paid Time Off

401(k) Retirement Plan with 3% Match

Health and Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Discount on Co-op Purchases

Flexible Spending Account

Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Salary Range $105,000 to $125,00

HOW TO APPLY:

Send your resume and a cover letter that explains why you are a great fit for this role and the Viroqua Food Co-op to: gmhiring@viroquafood.coop

Key Responsibilities

Uphold cooperative principles and foster a positive, inclusive organizational culture.

Partner with the Board of Directors to shape and implement long‑range strategic plans.

Provide executive leadership for all operational and administrative functions.

Ensure financial health through effective budgeting, reporting, and strategic decision‑making.

Maintain strong relationships with employees, owners, local producers, and community partners.

Lead, develop, and support the management team and staff.

Key Qualifications

Five years of management experience in retail food operations (e.g., General Manager, Store Manager, Operations Manager, District Manager).

Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and interpreting operational and financial metrics.

Experience in integrating new technologies into retail operations.

Demonstrated strategic planning ability and experience implementing organizational growth initiatives.

Proven ability to build, motivate, and lead teams.

Familiarity with natural, organic and local food systems and regulatory requirements in the food sector.

Values and work ethic aligned with cooperative principles.

Additional Competencies and Responsibilities

    • Lead the development and execution of strategic plans that advance the co-op’s mission and long-term sustainability.

    • Align operational priorities with board-established goals and policies.

    • Monitor trends in natural foods retail, cooperative enterprises, and the grocery industry to identify opportunities and risks.

    • Evaluate competitive conditions and evolving customer needs to maintain a strong market position.

    • Guide organizational planning and decision-making with a long-term, systems-oriented perspective.

    • Ensure the financial health and sustainability of the cooperative.

    • Develop and oversee the annual operating, capital, and cash-flow budgets.

    • Monitor financial performance including revenue growth, gross margins, labor productivity, and cash flow.

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

    • Negotiate and maintain contracts, vendor agreements, and major expenditures responsibly.

    • Implement systems that support strong fiscal oversight and accountability.

    • Oversee all aspects of store operations to ensure a positive shopping experience and a financially sustainable retail operation.

    • Guide merchandising, product mix, pricing, and promotional strategies.

    • Maintain strong relationships with distributors, vendors, and local producers.

    • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to food safety, labor and retail operations.

    • Maintain facilities, equipment, and operational systems that support efficient and effective store performance.

    • Cultivate and support a strong management team and organizational structure.

    • Hire, mentor, supervise, and evaluate management staff.

    • Foster a workplace culture grounded in respect, collaboration, and accountability.

    • Ensure the co-op provides a safe, inclusive and supportive work environment.

    • Support staff development, training, and professional growth.

    • Promote transparent communication and clear expectations across the organization.

    • Lead our cooperative so that it achieves the mission and ends policies determined by the board of directors.

    • Serve as the primary link between the board of directors and the co-op.

    • Implement board policies and strategic direction through operational planning and execution.

    • Provide timely reports, analysis, and recommendations to support board decision-making.

    • Attend and participate in board meetings and planning sessions.

    • Maintain clarity between governance responsibilities and operational authority.

    • Serve as a visible and engaged representative of the co-op within the community.

    • Foster relationships with owners, local farmers, producers, and community partners.

    • Promote the cooperative values and the Seven Cooperative principles throughout the organization.

    • Support initiatives that strengthen local food systems and community engagement.

    • Represent the co-op within regional and national cooperative networks, including industry collaborations and partnerships.

Apply now!

Send your resume and a cover letter that explains why you are a great fit for this role and the Viroqua Food Co-op to: gmhiring@viroquafood.coop