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 for the position of General Manager. 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.

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.

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.

• 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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Oversee development of marketing and advertising strategies.
• Establish store‑wide 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.

• 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.

• 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…