Grocery Manager
The Merc Co+op | Lawrence, KS
Salary Range: $40,000–$57,000 annually
The Merc Co+op is seeking an experienced, people-focused leader to join our team as Grocery Manager.
Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, this position oversees Front End, Grocery, and Center Store Operations while leading a team dedicated to delivering an outstanding customer experience and supporting The Merc's mission as a community-owned cooperative.
At The Merc, managers are empowered to make decisions, test new ideas, and have a meaningful impact on their departments. If you're looking for an opportunity to move beyond simply executing a corporate playbook and instead own business results through leadership, creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you.
The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who enjoys developing people, building effective teams, and creating an environment where employees can succeed.
What You'll Do
Lead, coach, and develop department employees and specialistsOwn department sales, labor, gross margin, and operational performance while identifying opportunities for continuous improvementBuild an accountable team by setting clear expectations, delegating effectively, and following through on commitments.Foster a positive culture of accountability, teamwork, and customer serviceManage staffing, scheduling, and labor resourcesDelegate operational responsibilities and support team successPartner with specialists / leads to ensure departments remain organized, well-stocked, and customer-readyMonitor department performance and identify opportunities for improvementLead multiple projects and priorities while ensuring timely execution. Support merchandising, inventory management, and promotional executionAddress customer concerns professionally and effectivelyMaintain food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standardsSupport and uphold The Merc's mission, values, and cooperative principlesWhat We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
Minimum of 5 years of leadership or management experienceExperience leading teams in retail, grocery, hospitality, food service, or a related industryStrong communication, coaching, and employee development skillsAbility to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environmentProven problem-solving and decision-making abilitiesFlexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as neededPreferred Qualifications
Retail or grocery management experienceExperience managing schedules, labor, and operational performanceKnowledge of merchandising, inventory management, and customer service best practicesExperience leading multiple work groups or departmentsPay & Benefits
Salary range: $40,000–$57,000 annually20% employee discountPaid time off (PTO)Medical, dental, and vision insuranceCompany-paid life insuranceCompany-paid long-term disability insurance401(k) with up to a 3% company matchBirthday and work anniversary recognitionEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)About The Merc
The Merc Co+op is a community-owned grocery store committed to providing healthy food, supporting local producers, and strengthening our community. We believe that great food, sustainable business practices, and community investment can create positive change. We're looking for leaders who share those values and want their work to have a meaningful impact beyond the bottom line.
Join a team where your leadership can make a difference every day.
Kitchen Cooperator FT
Job Summary
Cooperators are entry level positions at the co-op. These team members work closely with department Specialists and Managers to consistently meet the needs of shoppers in a fast-paced service environment.
Salary & Benefits
$15.16-$16.16/hour20% employee discountVacation and paid time off accrualMedical, dental, vision insurance (at 30+ hours per week)Free life insurance (at 30+ hours per week)401(k) retirement plan with up to 3% matchBirthday and service anniversary recognitionEmployer paid LTDNon-Slip Shoe Program (Payroll Deduct)Schedule Expectations
Full-time, 40 hours per weekFlexibility to support department needs, including holidays, nights and weekendsCook & Production Support
Operate and maintain the hot food warmer throughout the shift, including cooking off product as needed, stocking and rotating items, monitoring food quality and holding times, and completing markdowns according to department proceduresHandle, prepare, and package food safely and accurately, following proper food handling, temperature control, labeling, and sanitation standardsUtilize proper knife skills and safe cutting techniques when preparing or portioning items to support warmer production and kitchen operationsAssist with basic food production following department recipes and proceduresCooperator Duties & Responsibilities
Collaborate with department Specialists to execute daily tasks within the department including opening, mid, and closing duties as assignedProvide exceptional, prompt and friendly service in person and over the phoneComply with safety procedures and identify unsafe conditions; report all safety risks to store management (ex: items in need of repair, customer or employee accidents, safety risks or issues including robbery, theft, or fraud).Support training of new staff members by modeling best practices and established department proceduresAssist with ordering, inventory, and other duties as assignedGain and maintain knowledge of cooperative ownership and business model practicesGain and maintain knowledge of products sold within the store and be able to respond to questions and make suggestions about products.Stay current with present, future, seasonal and special promotions and ads.Willing to work weekends and holidays.Reports to work as scheduled and on time.Department Duties
Prepare and package hot and ready-to-eat foods according to department recipes and procedures, maintaining and demonstrating quality standards of the departmentServe and assist customers, explain products, ingredients, flavor, taste and preparationFollow, maintain and perform safety and sanitation procedures; throughout all shifts.Ensure that all production, inventory, prep, and display cases are properly stored, labeled, and rotated.Assist with management of deli inventory and ensuring supplies are fresh and high qualityMaintain a neat, clean and safe department and equipment, including coolers, backstock and other storage spacesCommunicate effectively with co-workers, engage in huddles and discussions of sales reports
Physical Requirements, Working Conditions + Equipment
Qualifications and Skills
About Us
Who says fresh, local and organic has to be exclusive? Not us. At The Merc Co+op, we think that all of us, every parent and caregiver, every coach, every friend, every teacher and every kid are hungry for affordable, healthy, delicious food. Our co-op is on a mission to make sure that everyone in our community has access!
The Merc Co+op is a grocery store owned by our community, not some corporate office 1,000 miles away. So, instead of focusing on Wall Street investors, we focus on what our neighbors want — nourishing everyone according to their budget and cooking style. We know how to get the best local food because we know our farmers by name. And, we’re passionate about giving back to our community because we know that good food is just the beginning of what we can achieve by working together. So, if you want the neighborhood gathering place for fresh, healthy and delicious food, our doors are wide open — to everyone.
Note: The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level.
Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position.
