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.

The Carlisle Group (TCG)

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