Operations Manager

Job Summary:

The Operations Manager (OM) oversees the day-to-day operations for all Whole Foods Co-op locations. This includes monitoring high standards in customer service, safety, productivity, and performance as well as monitoring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In addition, the Operation Manager is responsible for meeting business goals and customer needs, championing operational alignment, maintaining an inclusive work environment, supporting staff engagement and development, and contributing to an equitable local food economy. The Operations Manager works closely with the General Manager and Admin Leadership Team (ALT) to further WFC’s ENDS.

Essential Job Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Operational Alignment: Work in cooperation with ALT and Store Managers across stores to ensure internal and external operational alignment between WFC retail locations; create and maintain inclusive and consistent work environment across stores; maximize value of vendor programs; and support local food economy and access to affordable products.
2. Personnel Management: Develop, maintain performance standards, and mentor all direct reports. Ensure proper and efficient training and provide thorough performance evaluations and support for all direct reports. Take corrective disciplinary action as needed. Ensure planning for staff development to engage and retain staff at all levels. Work proactively to create and sustain a healthy, positive, and inclusive culture that aligns with WFC’s mission/ENDS and supports an engaged workforce. Act as a model to all employees by utilizing supportive and participatory leadership, following all policies and procedures, promoting team building, and motivating staff.
3. Employee & Labor Relations: Partner with HR Manager regarding ongoing employee & labor relations including but not limited to: participate in contract negotiations, assist with ongoing contract administration, work with managers to provide leadership on employee and labor relations, and participate in grievance processing, arbitration, and employee relations.
4. Project Management: Research, analyze, present and, as approved, implement and manage projects, within budget, to achieve positive progress on ENDS and strategic objectives.
5. Safety, Facilities, and Operational Management: Work with Store Managers to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, business licenses, permits, health regulations, Organic Standards, and fire codes. Ensure cleanliness, safety, maintenance, and security of WFC facilities, department equipment and inventory. Work with ALT and Store Managers to develop store policies, recommend changes in procedures, and develop and maintain a system for documenting store operational procedures. Monitor deviations from store operating budget and store operational procedures and work with Store Managers to take corrective action.
6. Strategic Leadership, Budgeting, and Financials: Engage in the strategic development with ALT and Store Managers to create and execute long range plans and goals for operations to further WFC ENDS. Work with General Manager and Store Managers to identify program and capital needs for annual budget and business plan of action. Work with General Manager and finance team to develop and oversee operating and capital budgets to accomplish sales department, operations, and co-op wide goals. Implement and monitor store budgets, annual action plans, and budget results. Authorize capital expenditures using approved capital expense budget.
7. Perform other tasks assigned by the General Manager.

Essential Organization Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Abide by all WFC policies and procedures
• Engage in creating and maintaining a positive, ethical, and productive workplace that contributes to achieving progress on WFC’s ENDS.
• Follow and ensure compliance with all safety practices and policies
• Maintain compliance with all regulatory guidance including but not limited to Minnesota Department of Agriculture and National Organic Standards

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Promote ownership and owner benefits consistently and positively.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Experience in retail, grocery, natural foods and/or cooperative management
• Experience with employee & labor relations, contract administration, and contract negotiations

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• At least 18 years of age
• At least five (5) years as an Operations Manager, Store Manager, or Business Unit leader with extensive knowledge of store operations.
• Experience in planning, developing, and implementing systems, procedures, and policies
• Ability to interpret financial statements, develop budgets, and meet financial goals
• Experience delivering results to meet organizational objectives
• Demonstrated capacity for strong decision making, including ability to organize, prioritize, and delegate multiple, at times competing, demands
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with managers, staff, members, and vendors
• Experience history of leading or participating in the creation of inclusive work environment
• Experience supervising employees and/or project teams including, but not limited to, interviewing, training, coaching, and evaluating
• Basic computer literacy including familiarity with using a web browser and email
• Ability to operate effectively within established systems and procedures
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Ability to handle multiple demands, work under time pressures and meet department work objectives
• Ability to handle confidential information
• Willingness to learn and perform all aspects of the position
• Ability to be flexible and to adapt to changing conditions
• Demonstrate objectivity and neutrality under pressure
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to effectively convey information
• Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Valid driver’s license and ability to report to all WFC locations

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ability to frequently move up to 50 lbs. throughout shift
• Ability to occasionally move more than 50 lbs. throughout shift
• Ability to move around the premises throughout shift
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time
• Ability to operate position-required machinery
• Ability to do repetitive office tasks including, but not limited to filing, using a computer keyboard, understanding information from a computer screen/LCD monitor and written materials for the entirety of shift
• Ability to safely use sharp cutting instruments

Work Environment:
Constant Exposure

• Background music and in-store pages
• Food odors, grain and spice dust, food allergens

Frequent Exposure

• Handling wet, hot, cold, and/or frozen product
• Wet and/or humid conditions
• Change in room temperatures
• Carts, pallets and hand-trucks moving in and out of storage/retail areas

Occasional Exposure

• Outdoor weather conditions

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICE
The essential duties and responsibilities and knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations, or the work environment change.
Employees must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Any questions regarding accommodations should be directed to the Human Resources Manager.