Port Hood Co-op is pleased to share this recruitment opportunity for the position of General Manager. As a locally owned co-operative since 1938, we exist for the benefit of our members and the communities we serve. More than just a grocery store, Port Hood Co-op is a gathering place and trusted community partner. We provide essential goods and services while working to meet the evolving needs of residents, seasonal visitors, farmers, fishers, families, and local community organizations.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The General Manager is responsible for coordinating all operations of the retail store in support of short and long-term goals of the co-operative. This includes achieving desired revenue and profitability objectives, as well as providing the highest level of customer service. Strong managerial, analysis, communication and training skills, and a proven ability to motivate a team are critical elements for success in this role. The General Manager is crucial in upholding the company’s image and mission statement. Daily operations include the overseeing of staff scheduling with responsible supervisors on hand at peak times, especially weekends. It is expected that the General Manager works a minimum of one weekend per month. Customer satisfaction is key as well as product quality assurance, inventory management, store maintenance and overall sustainable business profitability.

The General Manager will promote a positive image of the Port Hood Co-operative Limited while at work and in the community at large, as the face of the Co-op.

This position reports directly to the Co-op Board of Directors, with the President being the main point of contact. The Board of Directors provides leadership and oversight of the Co-op on behalf of its members. Elected by the membership, the Board sets the strategic direction of the organization, establishes policies, ensures financial accountability, and works to protect the long-term sustainability of the Co-op.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Embody the co-operative’s retail philosophy, values and principles, emphasizing the importance of a positive member experience.

· Promote and enforce high quality of service by all store employees through leading by example.

· Ensure that all goods and products are adequately stocked at all times through rigorous inventory management.

· Establish and maintain positive relationships with board members, staff, and Co-op members.

· Collaborate with the Board of Directors to establish revenue, expense, and profit goals as part of an annual budget to be submitted to the Board for approval.

· Ensure the achievement of these goals by effective planning of staff, inventory, and store maintenance.

· Implement sales promotions, clearances, discount plans, displays, and other customer attractions in collaboration with Sobeys.

· Develop and monitor an annual capital expense budget to be approved by the Board of Directors to ensure efficient store operations.

· Monitor loss prevention to minimize instances of theft or loss of inventory.

· Advertise, recruit, train, and manage a team of employees; conduct and document annual performance reviews; administer staff wages and raises within the bounds of the Board of Director’s approved wage ranges.

· Formulate and administer work schedules to ensure that the appropriate staffing levels are continually met.





· Regularly analyse financial reporting, including accounting data from Sobeys, to monitor trends, identify and challenge any potential accuracy issues or errors in the reporting, and recognize opportunities and risks.

· Present revenue, margin, budget, and progress reports to the Board of Directors at monthly meetings, ensuring the data provided is accurate.

· Provide feedback to suppliers, buyers, and warehouses regarding customer opinions, buying trends, and other pertinent information.

· Ensure effective and safe utilization of all space, including receiving area, hardware department, warehouse, and storage areas, and management of any leasing arrangements.

· Consult with Board of Directors to minimize risk when engaged in conflicts, disputes or complaint resolution.

· Be familiar with and adhere to the Employee Policy Manual.

· Be familiar with and adhere to all industry delivered policies and procedures such as Sobey’s food safety and sanitation practices.

· Foster a positive workplace atmosphere.

· Maintain regular contact and collaboration with the President on emerging issues.

JOB DUTIES

· Be able to multitask in a rapid-paced environment.

· Greet and assist members in a way that models customer service excellence.

· Engage and interact with members to create a positive shopping experience.

· Provide direction and assistance to team in supervising and facilitating the daily operations of the store.

· Oversee operations and staffing. Conduct regular weekly meetings with department and floor managers.

· Assist in the delivery of key personnel development, as well as interviews, promotions, performance reviews and disciplinary actions.

· Adhere to ordering and pricing policies to maximize product pricing and demand.

· Make sure all customer complaints are addressed and handled professionally, in collaboration with the Board of Directors, leaving the customer with a positive resolution.

· Ensure that all health and safety regulations are adhered to and required standards are met at all times.

· Maintain adequate stock through efficient inventory management.

· Take inventory as scheduled and provide inventory reports.

· Increase sales and promote business to meet the goals within provided guidelines.

· Engage on process improvement and seek to reduce costs and improve labor productivity.

· Follow and oversee the training on Food Safety guidelines.

· Monitor the quality of fresh foods and ensure that refunds are received from suppliers for all items that do not meet required quality.

· Ensure an adequate process is in place for checking deliveries and packaging slips.

· Verify invoices against packaging slips and track all expenditures.

· Adhere to Board policies relating to expenditures and discretionary spending, ensuring proper quotation procedures are followed and required approvals come to the Board of Directors.

· Ensure that quality fresh products are available to members.





· Ensure that all staff responsible to place orders have and use the correct order guideline/tools to complete the job.

· Ensure shelves are clean, stocked and that items are well presented with correct pricing.

· Provide department managers with required sales and profit information to assist with delivering their required results.

· Ensure that all staff are trained properly for their respective department and provide regular coaching.

· Oversee the maintenance of the co-operative’s physical assets, infrastructure and equipment, including regular monitoring, maintenance and repairs to keep the store and warehouse in good condition and support long-term sustainability.

· Promote a clean, organized and welcoming store environment by maintaining cleanliness standards, minimizing clutter and ensuring an appealing overall store aesthetic.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

· Minimum 5 years of retail or food service experience

· Previous supervisory or team lead experience

· Strong understanding of business principles, operational priorities, and financial analysis

· Effective interpersonal and communication skills

· Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure

· Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and professional conduct

· Basic knowledge and experience with inventory management and point-of-sale systems

· Experience using technology with the ability to easily adapt to new programs and software

· Availability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings, weekends, and holidays

Preferred

· Post-secondary education, ideally a degree or diploma in business, management, commerce, or a related field

· Experience in a retail grocery environment

· Experience in a co-operative, or community-based retail environment

· Food safety certification (e.g., Food Handler's Certificate)

· Forklift certification

· Ability to lift 50lbs

· Familiarity with co-operative principles and values

CORE COMPETENCIES

Leadership & Team Support

- Communication & Active Listening
- Attention to Detail & Organizational Skills
- Commitment to Co-operative Values

Customer Service Excellence

- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Adaptability & Flexibility

REPORTING STRUCTURE

The General Manager reports directly to the Board of Directors only, with the President as primary contact.

The General Manager provides day-to-day direction, guidance and support to Department Managers, Administrative Assistant, Clerks, Cashiers, and other floor-level team members.

In the absence of the General Manager, the Assistant Manager shall be considered in charge of the operation with similar reporting line.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

Permanent, full time, with an expectation of a minimum of 40 hours onsite per week. Port Hood Co-op is located at 165 Main Street, Port Hood, Nova Scotia.

COMPENSATION

The starting annual salary for this position is $60,000. Port Hood Co-op also offers an Employee Benefits Program that includes Medical, Dental, Long-term Disability, Travel and Life Insurance, as well as a registered pension plan.

APPLY NOW

Please send a resume with cover letter to [email protected]. This position will remain open until filled. We will begin screening candidates for interviews starting November 9, 2026.

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 General Manager (Port Hood)
🏢 Port Hood Co-operative
📍 Port Hood