Grocery Operations Manager

Good Foods Co-op; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Store discount

Paid vacation

Job summary

Good Foods Co-op in Lexington, KY seeks a hands-on Grocery Operations Manager to lead daily department functions, manage freight, stocking, merchandising, and staff development. You will collaborate with the Grocery Department Manager to ensure efficient operations, excellent customer service, and strong inventory practices in a fast-paced natural foods environment.

The role emphasizes coaching, scheduling, and maintaining high merchandising standards, with focus on cooperation values and

Qualifications

• 5 years of grocery, retail, or related operational experience.
• At least 1 year of management or supervisory experience.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of grocery operations, freight processing, stocking, and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Grocery Department operations and support floor staff.
• Coordinate freight receiving, processing, stocking, and backstock management.
• Set clear daily expectations for assignments, productivity, and stocking standards.
• Assist with scheduling, hiring, onboarding, training, and evaluations.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and staff development.
• Ensure shelves, displays, and storage areas are stocked and organized.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Inventory management

Scheduling

Merchandising

Customer service

Job description

Description

Good Foods Co-op is a community-owned natural foods grocery dedicated to building a more equitable and sustainable food system. We support local farmers and producers while creating a welcoming, inclusive shopping experience for everyone in our community.

We're looking for an experienced, motivated Grocery Operations Manager who enjoys leading a team, thrives in a fast-paced retail environment, and takes pride in maintaining a well-stocked, organized, and efficient department. This hands-on leadership role focuses on coordinating daily grocery operations, freight processing, stocking, merchandising, and developing a knowledgeable and effective team.

Working closely with the Grocery Department Manager, this position helps ensure efficient department operations, strong merchandising standards, and exceptional customer service while actively supporting staff and daily operational needs.

What You'll Do

In this role, you'll help lead daily Grocery Department operations by:

• Managing, supporting, and working alongside grocery floor staff
• Coordinating daily freight receiving, processing, stocking, and backstock management
• Establishing clear expectations for daily assignments, productivity, and stocking standards
• Assisting with employee scheduling, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance evaluations
• Providing leadership, coaching, accountability, and ongoing staff development
• Ensuring grocery shelves, displays, and storage areas are properly stocked, rotated, organized, and maintained
• Monitoring freight workflows, stocking efficiency, labor utilization, and department productivity
• Supporting inventory counts, shrink reduction, and accurate inventory practices
• Maintaining high standards for merchandising, signage, cleanliness, and overall department presentation
• Ensuring proper product handling, food safety, and compliance with store procedures
• Assisting with seasonal displays, promotional merchandising, and product placement
• Collaborating with the purchasing team to support product availability, replenishment, and inventory needs
• Monitoring operational performance and identifying opportunities to improve efficiencySupporting the Grocery Department Manager with staffing needs, department goals, and operational improvements
• Providing excellent customer service and supporting storewide operations as needed

What We’re Looking For

We're excited to meet someone who:

• Has 5 years of grocery, retail, or related operational experience
• Has at least 1 year of management or supervisory experience
• Demonstrates strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Understands grocery operations, freight processing, stocking procedures, and inventory management
• Works effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on retail environment
• Enjoys training, coaching, and developing employees
• Can prioritize daily tasks, coordinate workflows, and maintain operational efficiency
• Has strong attention to detail and a commitment to excellent customer service
• Is comfortable reviewing operational information and identifying opportunities for improvement
• Is reliable, adaptable, and solution-focused
• Has a strong interest in natural and organic foods and cooperative values
• Is available to work flexible schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Can safely lift up to 50 lbs and work in varied retail and storage environments

What It's Like to Work Here

At Good Foods Co-op, you're more than just an employee you're part of a community. We value collaboration, accountability, and shared success. Our Grocery team plays an important role in ensuring customers have access to high-quality natural, organic, and locally sourced products.

As Grocery Operations Manager, you'll help lead a team dedicated to maintaining a welcoming, well-stocked shopping environment while supporting staff development, operational improvements, and the continued success of our Co-op.

Physical & Work Environment

• Fast-paced grocery, retail, warehouse, and backroom environment
• Regular standing, walking, bending, lifting, and repetitive movement
• Frequent exposure to hot, cold, and wet environments, including coolers and freezers
• Use of store equipment, pallet jacks, ladders, and stocking tools
• Exposure to moderate to loud noise and shared workspaces
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly and team lift over 100 lbs as needed

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive wage based on experience

• Leadership development and growth opportunities
• Dynamic and collaborative team environment

Full-time employees eligible for benefits after 90 days, including:

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with employer match after 1 year

All employees receive:

• Store discount
• Paid vacation time

Equal Opportunity Employer

Good Foods Co-op does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected class.