General Manager - Secretary

Cobargo Co-operative Society Limted; Cobargo; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cobargo Co-operative Society Limted – Cobargo NSW is seeking a transformative General Manager to oversee day-to-day operations, report to the board and lead a dedicated team. You will develop strategic growth, sustain core values of member service, customer focus and community wellbeing while ensuring financial viability.

This role combines governance with hands-on leadership, balancing strategy with operational delivery, stakeholder engagement, and performance monitoring to drive sustainable

Qualifications

• Proven leadership with organisation-wide accountability.
• Experience in retail rural products and/or agriculture sector sales desirable.
• Strong governance, financial management and sustainability focus.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for growth and operational improvement.
• Implement operational plans, policies and procedures.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, merchandising and supplier relationships.
• Monitor cash flow, revenue, expenditure and profitability; maintain accurate financial records.
• Implement the strategic direction established by the Board.
• Monitor and report on market conditions and business performance.
• Prepare Board agendas, reports and papers; support Board meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Governance

Customer service leadership

Financial management

Job description

Cobargo Co-operative Society Limted – Cobargo NSW

You will have responsibility for the overall day-to-day operational performance and management of the business, with direct accountability to the board. You will lead a dedicated team as you develop and implement strategic growth opportunities, whilst maintaining the core viability of the business.

You will balance the ongoing commercial performance goals of the business with the Co-operative's values of member service, customer focus and long-term sustainability, ensuring the Society continues to meet the needs of its members and the community while maintaining sound financial performance.

The role carries the dual responsibility of Secretary to the Board of Directors and acts as the primary link between the Board, employees, members, customers, suppliers, and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

Identify opportunities for business growth, operational improvement and enhanced member and customer services.

Implementation of operational plans, policies and procedures.

Oversee purchasing, inventory, merchandising and supplier relationships.

In conjunction with the finance team, monitor cash flow, revenue, expenditure and profitability and ensure accurate financial records are maintained.

Implement the strategic direction established by the Board.

Monitor and report on market conditions and business performance.

Prepare Board agendas, reports, meeting papers and supporting documentation.

Attend Board meetings and provide professional advice and recommendations.

Record and maintain accurate minutes and corporate records.

About you

Proven leadership experience as a General Manager or equivalent senior executive role with organisation-wide accountability.

Significant leadership experience within the retail rural products and/or agriculture sector sales environment, with experience in hardware and/or nursery products desirable.

Demonstrated success leading organisational growth, transformation and strategic change.

Strong commercial and financial management capability, including responsibility for organisational sustainability and financial performance.

Experience working closely with Boards and operating within strong governance frameworks.

Experience leading small to medium customer service teams and building high-performing leadership capability.

The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on leadership and stakeholder engagement.

An authentic, visible and values‑driven leadership style.

This Role is for You If ...

You're a builder — you see opportunities and respond to them, before being asked

You lead by example and people trust you — not because of your title, but because of how you show up and how you operate

You can effectively balance the competing demands of working on the business versus those of working in the business

You're commercially driven, but never at the expense of customers or your team members doing the work

You're calm under pressure and decisive when it counts

You want to be part of something growing, and you're energised by building rather than just maintaining the status quo

You’re attracted to a better lifestyle and "tree/sea change" opportunity in a unique rural/coastal region

What’s on Offer

This is a unique opportunity to lead an organisation with a proud legacy, strong community reputation and ambitious future. You will have the opportunity to influence not only organisational success, but also the wellbeing of the Co‑op members, its customers and the community of Cobargo.

For a senior executive motivated by purpose, strategy, growth and customer service, few opportunities offer this combination of career and lifestyle choice.

You will enjoy the unique lifestyle benefits of managing the largest retail business in a rural village strategically located on the beautiful NSW Sapphire Coast, close to the spectacular beaches of Bermagui, nearby rolling farmland and southern mountain ranges.