Retail Store Operations Manager – Natural/Organic Grocery

The Big Carrot; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Big Carrot in Toronto seeks an experienced Retail Store Operations Manager to oversee all retail locations and production facilities, reporting to the Board of Directors. This in-person role leads operational policy, budgeting, and cross-department collaboration to ensure sustainability and exceptional customer experiences.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years in multi-site operations, with strong HR, budgeting, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive management experience in retail, grocery, or multi-site operations.
• Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and operational planning.
• Knowledge of HR practices and employment legislation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership across all retail locations and food production.
• Develop and implement organization-wide policies and SOPs.
• Collaborate with Store Managers to improve productivity and customer service.
• Maintain compliance with employment standards, health and safety, and food safety.
• Oversee budgets, financial reporting, and capital expenditures.
• Lead recruitment, performance management, and HR policy implementation.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

HR knowledge

Communication

Analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Position: Retail Store Operations Manager – Natural/Organic Grocery

Organization: The Big Carrot

Location: Toronto-Danforth (in person)

Pay: CA$80,000.00 - CA$95,000.00 per year

Join a purpose-driven organization.

The Big Carrot Community Market is a worker-owned natural food market dedicated to providing healthy, organic, and locally sourced food while fostering community, sustainability, and cooperative values.

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Operations Manager to provide operational leadership and strategic support across our retail stores and food production operations.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the effective day-to-day operation of the organization while supporting long-term strategic initiatives.

This role provides leadership across retail operations, finance, human resources, marketing, purchasing, information technology, and food production to ensure operational excellence, financial sustainability, and exceptional customer and employee experiences.

What You'll Do

Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for all retail store locations and food production facilities.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve organization-wide operational policies and standard operating procedures.
• Work collaboratively with Store Managers to improve productivity, operational efficiency, customer service, and team performance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, including employment standards, occupational health and safety, food safety, and other regulatory requirements.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Manage day-to-day operational budgets, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
• Prepare and monitor annual operating and capital expenditure budgets.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors on strategic planning, organizational priorities, and long-term operational improvements.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency while supporting organizational growth and sustainability.

Operations & Logistics

• Oversee logistics, supply chain operations, equipment planning, facility improvements, and vendor relationships.
• Manage capital projects, renovations, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Ensure quality assurance standards are maintained throughout the organization.

Leadership & People Management

• Recruit, coach, mentor, and evaluate managers who report directly to the Operations Manager, while consulting with the Board of Directors on key leadership appointments to ensure alignment with organizational needs and priorities.
• Support leadership development and succession planning across departments.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and accountable workplace culture.
• Work closely with Human Resources on recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and policy implementation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Monitor organizational performance and recommend continuous improvements.
• Maintain regular communication with the Board of Directors, providing operational updates, recommendations, and information to support effective governance and strategic decision-making.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who brings a combination of leadership experience, operational expertise, and a collaborative approach.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive management experience, preferably in retail, grocery, food production, or multi-site operations.
• Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and operational planning.
• Knowledge of human resources practices and employment legislation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and business software applications.

Why Join The Big Carrot?

The Big Carrot offers the opportunity to lead a unique, community-focused organization that values sustainability, healthy food, cooperative principles, and employee engagement.

You’ll work alongside passionate staff and a dedicated Board to help shape the future of one of Toronto's most respected independent natural food retailers.

The Big Carrot is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, let us know in advance and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Only those candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.

Please note only those individuals legally entitled to work in Canada will be considered for employment with the Big Carrot.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

• retail/grocery operations leadership: 3 years (required)
• HR, budgeting, and financial management: 3 years (required)