Job Description
Job Description
Benefits :
- Bonus based on performance
- Training & development
GENERAL MANAGER - COMMUNITY FOOD LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Organization : Eastside Lansing Food Co-op (ELFCO)
Location : Lansing, MI (Allen Place, 1619 E. Kalamazoo St.)
Employment Type : Full-time, exempt
Compensation : $40,000$60,000 depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus
Start Date : As soon as available
Application Deadline : Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
About the Opportunity
The Eastside Lansing Food Co-op (ELFCO) is hiring a General Manager to lead our community-owned grocery store through a period of critical rebuilding. We are not currently financially solvent and while operations are stable, sales have plateaued and need immediate attention.
This is a pivotal role for someone ready to stabilize, strategize, and grow a neighborhood grocery co-op with equity at its core. The General Manager will manage day-to-day operations, develop a motivated staff team, and work with the Board to build ELFCOs financial and community momentum.
ELFCO is more than a store. Our vision is to be a member-owned cooperative rooted in food justice, democratic control, and neighborhood-based economic resilience. We're looking for a leader who shares that vision and can help bring it into reality.
Where We Are Now
ELFCO relaunched in 2022 inside Allen Place, a community health and food hub led by the Allen Neighborhood Center (ANC). We are :
Holding steady in sales, but urgently need growthStill building our staffing, marketing, and operations systemsLocated in a space that may eventually require expansion, integration, or relocationSupported by a committed Board, staff, and community of member-ownersThe Board is committed to supporting this position for at least 69 months, regardless of short-term store performance. However, bonuses and longer-term employment will be tied to progress on sales growth, operational improvements, and financial metrics.
What Youll Lead
Store Operations : Purchasing, pricing, inventory, merchandising, vendor relations, store upkeepStaff Leadership : Hire, schedule, and supervise a small team; build trust and accountabilityMarketing & Outreach : Relaunch promotions, drive foot traffic, improve signage and visibilityFinance & Budgeting : Track sales, labor, cash flow, and margin weekly; manage real-time budget and accounts payable; provide regular, clear reports to the BoardCommunity Visioning : Work with the Board to clarify ELFCOs mission, impact, and long-term growth strategyANC Collaboration : Build a strong, reciprocal relationship with the Allen Neighborhood Center and explore shared programming or leadership integrationSystems Building : Establish SOPs, compliance checklists, inventory procedures, and performance tracking toolsYou Might Be the Right Fit If You Are
A builder and doer energized by complexity and purpose-driven workExperienced in grocery, food systems, or small business managementSkilled in marketing, merchandising, and customer engagement to grow revenueComfortable managing people, budgets, and strategy in a hands-on settingCommitted to food access, cooperative values, and economic justiceAble to communicate clearly across cultures, classes, and community settingsMinimum Qualifications
2+ years of management experience in retail grocery or related fieldExperience with hiring, scheduling, and staff developmentDemonstrated ability to manage daily financial operations, including reconciling bank accounts, tracking payables, generating internal reports, and collaborating with external accountants or contract bookkeepersFinancial accountability is essential. Candidates must be able to manage real-time budgeting and cash flow, interpret financial reports, and either perform or oversee basic bookkeeping functions in collaboration with the Board and any contracted support.Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings / weekends, as needed.Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work on your feetWhat We Offer
40,000$60,000 salary, depending on experiencePerformance-based bonus tied to agreed-upon benchmarksA co-governed store and supportive BoardAccess to national co-op peer networks and resourcesA meaningful opportunity to help shape ELFCOs future including its mission, physical space, and impact in LansingHow to Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to :
In your cover letter, tell us :
Why are you drawn to this role?What skills, experience, or vision would you bring to ELFCO right now?What are your salary expectations and any specific needs or constraints youd like us to consider?Equal Opportunity Statement
ELFCO is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and candidates with lived experience navigating food access, economic hardship, or systems change.
