Job description

Local Foods is Chicago’s first wholesale distributor and retailer of strictly local foods from the Midwest’s best farmers. We source and deliver the finest farm foods to consumers, restaurants, grocers, schools and institutions. Through our one-of-a-kind Bucktown processing facility, event space and retail store, we bring the stories of producers to life. We started Local Foods to simplify the way Midwestern farmers’ products are brought to market, and to make the best tasting local foods easy and accessible.

Title: General Manager

Job Duties:

The General Manager is responsible for launching Local Foods’ flagship store and will lead all aspects of retail operations. The General Manager will develop and steward a genuine shopping experience that is on-brand and authentic to the crafts of farming and butchery. The General Manager serves as a trusted member of a Local Foods team and works directly with management frequently.This is an opportunity for a creative and entrepreneurial leader to be involved in creating a food hub truly unique for the region. This position is on the leading edge of Local Foods and the good food movement and
is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to start a retail program from scratch and leave your lasting mark on the food industry.

Primary responsibilities include:

1. Manage retail strategies: Develop and implement effective merchandising and pricing strategies
2. Manage merchandising:
a. Ensure a consistent and strong product offering through effective merchandising.
b. Work with marketing team, manage point of sale collateral and storytelling; ensure that
farmer’s story is told and production methods are showcased.
3. Manage operations and experience of retail store:
a. Manage overall store appearance and customer experience.
b. Hire, manage, counsel and train 5-15 store team members. Build and influence a strong
organizational and retail culture.
4. Manage retail budgets and performance reporting: Develop and report on measures of success.
5. Assist in marketing strategy for consumers: Plan and assist in all other partnership and marketing
activities that support the retail operations.

Requirements:
1. Bachelor’s degree or other post HS degree
2. Previous grocery, co-op or other retail management experience required
3. Strong leadership, management and team-building skills
4. Demonstrated experience in managing to a budget
5. Able to exercise good judgment in determining workflow, priorities, and deadlines
6. Outstanding interpersonal skills to drive collaborative culture at all levels
7. Exemplary organizational skills and strong attention to detail

Compensation

this position is: salaried

Application instructions

Deadline

November 07, 2014