Company description

The Valley Roots Food Hub provides convenient local food shopping through its online platform and delivery service. It is a non-profit wholesale aggregator and distributor of local produce and value-added products from area farmers to regional restaurants, institutions, and home customers across the San Luis Valley and into the front range and western slope of Colorado. VRFH promotes economic development around a local food system and serves family farms by filling a gap between local, small-scale farmers and local plates.

VRFH is a program of the San Luis Valley Local Food Coalition. Find more information at valleyrootsfoodhub.com and slvlocalfoods.org. 

Job description

Working at the Valley Roots Food Hub places you at the heart of the local food system supply chain. As a leader of our team, the General Manager will cultivate meaningful relationships within the communities we serve, demonstrating a keen sense of organization, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and an eager knack for business. A love for local food, regenerative agriculture, and community is essential.

 
As the General Manager, you will learn, understand, and oversee the jobs of Driver, Aggregator, Markets Manager, Warehouse Manager, Operations Manager, Bookkeeper, Kitchen Manager, Sales Manager, and Fleet Manager. You will be responsible for leadership in company culture, customer service, producer relationships, and marketing communications. This includes coordinating with transport companies on logistics and overseeing the truck fleet, collaborating with other food hubs on trades, managing commercial kitchen operations, ensuring food safety, maintaining Organic Certifications, and liaising with regulatory agencies. Applicants should have business experience providing an understanding of margins, cost structures, and financials, with a strong capability in bill management. Above all, they must possess the enthusiasm, passion, and know-how to go the extra mile for our customers and producers.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Management:
   • Provide strategic direction and leadership to the operation, in coordination with the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition.
   • Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficient and effective processes.
   • Manage and mentor a diverse team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
   • Develop and implement business plans, budgets, and strategies for growth.
2. Operations and Logistics:
   • Ensure the smooth operation of the food distribution process, from producer to consumer.
   • Optimize logistics and supply chain processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
   • Perform truck fleet management by overseeing vehicle conditions, and negotiating with mechanics, leasing companies, insurance providers, and more.
   • Oversee inventory management, including tracking, storage, and quality control.
3. Producer and Customer Relations:
   • Build and maintain strong relationships with local producers, ensuring a diverse and reliable supply of products.
   • Develop and nurture customer relationships, understanding their needs and ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
   • Implement effective marketing and sales strategies to attract and retain customers.
4. Financial Management:
   • Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, in coordination with Local Foods Coalition administrative staff.
   • Identify and pursue opportunities for revenue growth and cost savings.
   • Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and reporting requirements.
5. Community Engagement and Advocacy:
   • Represent the Valley Roots Food Hub within the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition at monthly meetings and other regular administrative check-ins
   • Engage with external stakeholders, including community organizations, government agencies, and industry groups.
   • Advocate for policies and initiatives that support local food systems and sustainable agriculture.

Qualifications: Proven track record in business required, with additional experience in any of the following: driving, mechanics, fleet management, customer service, warehousing, sales, accounting, agriculture, restaurants, food service, commercial kitchen work, value-added food production, management, software. 

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
• Proficient in email/text/phone, basic website design, Microsoft Office, Quickbooks, and acuity to understand our in-house logistics software, Local Orbit
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent organizational and logistical abilities
• Proven financial management and budgeting skills
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Passion for local food systems and sustainable agriculture
• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions

Hours:  Full-time with some remote work and schedule flexibility possible. Occasional evenings and weekends required, as well as some overnight travel around the state.

Compensation

• Starting between $58,240 - $64,480 per year
• Twenty days of paid time off per year for personal holidays and sick leave
• Nine paid federal holidays per year 
• Health and dental insurance with 50% of premiums for the employee covered
• A Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) through Colorado SecureSavings
• A 20% discount on VRFH food and products
• Reimbursement for work-related travel (not including regular commuting to LFC locations)

The Valley Roots Food Hub is a program of the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition, which is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join us in strengthening our local food system. In compliance with Colorado’s Job Application Fairness Act, applicants may redact information that would identify their age, date of birth or dates of study from their application.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, 50k-75k

Application instructions

Deadline

September 15, 2024