Grocery Operations Manager

Good Foods Co-op; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, and life ins.

401(k) with employer match after 1 yr

Store discount

Paid vacation time

Job summary

Good Foods Co-op is seeking an experienced Grocery Operations Manager to lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced retail environment. You will coordinate daily grocery operations, freight processing, stocking, merchandising, and staff development to ensure exceptional customer service and efficient department performance.

You will work closely with the Grocery Department Manager, helping drive merchandising standards, inventory accuracy, and storewide operational support while upholding cooperative

Qualifications

• 5 years of grocery/retail operations experience.
• At least 1 year in a management or supervisory role.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of grocery operations, freight processing, stocking procedures, and inventory management.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on retail environment.
• Enjoys training, coaching, and developing employees.
• Ability to prioritize daily tasks, coordinate workflows, and maintain operational efficiency.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to excellent customer service.
• Reliable, adaptable, and solution-focused.
• Interest in natural and organic foods and cooperative values.
• Flexible availability, including mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support grocery floor staff.
• Coordinate daily freight receiving, processing, stocking, and backstock management.
• Set clear daily expectations for assignments, productivity, and stocking standards.
• Assist with scheduling, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance evaluations.
• Provide leadership, coaching, accountability, and staff development.
• Maintain shelves, displays, and storage areas—stocked, rotated, organized, and clean.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Team development

Job 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

• 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 efficiency
• Supporting 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

• 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.