Operations Leader for Community Co-op Growth

The Merc Co+op; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Merc Co+op is seeking an Operations Director in Lawrence, Kansas, to lead our retail operations, build high-performing teams, and ensure excellence across multiple departments. This leadership role balances people, processes, and financial performance while supporting our mission and long-term success.

The ideal candidate is collaborative, results-oriented, and capable of guiding store performance, inventory control, and customer experience with a focus on operational efficiency and staff

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of supervisory experience in a retail environment.
• Proven ability to lead and hold accountable a team of managers and employees.
• Experience interpreting financial and operational data and budgets.
• Strong planning, delegation, and performance management skills.
• Ability to implement SOPs for retail operations and customer service.
• Able to adapt to flexible schedules and travel for training.
• Commitment to diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
• Experience coordinating with HR and Finance on staffing and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Build and develop a high-performing operational leadership team through clear expectations, delegation, coaching, mentoring, recognition, and accountability.
• Hire, train, evaluate, and develop direct reports while ensuring consistent training, performance management, and adherence to co-op policies and procedures.
• Ensure adequate coverage at all locations, departments, and sub-departments.
• Partner with the Finance Director to develop and manage budgets for sales, margin, labor, supplies, repairs, and maintenance; monitor financial and operational performance, identify variances and opportunities, and implement action plans to improve results.
• Collaborate with the HR Director to ensure effective staffing, training, performance management, and employee relations practices that support operational excellence and a positive workplace culture.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Director on external messaging, promotions, and initiatives that drive customer count while ensuring operational execution supports average basket size through product availability, merchandising, and an exceptional shopping experience.
• Monitor and analyze operational KPIs, including labor, inventory, shrink, sales, margin, and customer experience, to identify trends, address root causes, and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead initiatives to reduce shrink, improve inventory accuracy, and control operating costs through effective processes, controls, and staff accountability.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and productivity; implement and sustain programs, systems, and processes that reduce costs, simplify work, and improve store performance.
• Collaborate with Co+op Support on promotions, category management, and pricing; take responsibility for execution of agreed-upon plans.
• Support a diverse and inclusive workplace culture by collaborating with HR to ensure managers are adequately trained and uphold the co-op's expectations. Hold managers and employees accountable in a way that addresses harm and supports continuous growth.
• Maintain awareness and engagement with National Co+op Grocers (NCG) programs, staff, and peers.
• Actively participate in required and relevant training, initiatives, and meetings.
• Travel for required training, meetings, and conferences as directed by the General Manager.
• Serve as a point person during disruptive situations and emergencies, including on-call situations, and work with direct reports and key staff to address issues as they arise.
• Maintain the security of customers, staff, facility, and inventory.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Staff development

Operations management

SOP writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Job description

The Merc Co+op is seeking an Operations Director in Lawrence, Kansas, to lead our retail operations, build high-performing teams, and ensure excellence across multiple departments. This leadership role balances people, processes, and financial performance while supporting our mission and long-term success.

The ideal candidate is collaborative, results-oriented, and capable of guiding store performance, inventory control, and customer experience with a focus on operational efficiency and staff