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Make an impact in the cooperative movement as an employee of a community-focused, mission driven store with that classic Southern California beach vibe!
Our Job Openings
General Manager – Grocery
SunCoast Market Co-op
Imperial Beach, CA
Salary Range: $95,000–$120,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Board of Directors
About SunCoast Market Co-op
SunCoast Market Co-op is a community-owned grocery store dedicated to providing local, sustainable,
organic, and affordable foods to Imperial Beach and the surrounding region. The store is 6,200 sq ft with
approximately 3,500 sq ft retail space and 20 employees. As a member of National Co-op Grocers (NCG),
SunCoast is grounded in cooperative values, equity, and environmental stewardship, and is committed to
strengthening the local food system.
Position Summary
SunCoast Market Co-op seeks a General Manager (GM) to lead the co-op through its next phase of
operational maturity and community impact. The GM serves as chief executive responsible for store
operations, financial performance, staff leadership, governance partnership with the Board of Directors, and
community engagement.
The current General Manager was hired in an interim capacity to guide pre-opening and launch activities and
will support onboarding and provide a structured leadership transition.
This role requires a leader who combines hands-on operational expertise with strategic thinking, strong
financial management, and a commitment to cooperative values.
This position offers the opportunity to lead a mission-driven grocery store that strengthens local food access,
supports regional producers, and serves as a community hub for Imperial Beach.
Core Responsibilities
Store Operations & Business Performance
● Lead all aspects of daily store operations, including grocery, wellness, produce, bulk, beer & wine,
prepared foods/foodservice and front-end procedures.
● Ensure operational excellence across all departments, with particular focus on food safety, margin
performance, shrink control, and labor planning
● Oversee inventory, pricing, vendor relationships, and product mix aligned with customer demand
● Maintain compliance with food safety, labor, and regulatory standards
● Monitor key performance indicators and continually improve operational effectiveness
● Oversee facility operations, equipment maintenance, and store safety to ensure a safe environment for
staff and customers
Financial Leadership
● Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting
● Ensure strong margin performance, cash flow management, and expense controls
● Report regularly to the Board on financial results, trends, risks, and opportunities
● Maintain full accountability for store P&L performance and long-term financial health
Governance, Strategy & Executive Leadership
● Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors
● Translate Board-approved policies and strategic priorities into operational goals and measurable results
● Prepare dashboards, reports, and materials to support effective governance
● Track strategic priorities and ensure follow-through and accountability
People, Culture & Organizational Effectiveness
● Hire, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing, diverse staff
● Lead performance management, feedback, and professional development systems
● Foster an inclusive, respectful, cooperative workplace culture
● Ensure staffing models align with sales, service expectations, and financial goals
Member & Community Engagement
● Lead membership growth, education, and engagement efforts
● Oversee member communications and feedback systems
● Represent the co-op in community partnerships, events, and local food initiatives
● Strengthen relationships with local producers and mission-aligned vendors
Qualifications
Required
● 5+ years of senior leadership experience in grocery, food retail, or complex retail environments
● Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, margin, and P&L management
● Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and build healthy organizational culture
● Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
● Commitment to cooperative principles, community ownership, and local food systems
Preferred
● Cooperative or mission-driven retail experience
● Experience using ECRS/Catapult
● Natural Foods retail operation preferred
● Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors
● Early-stage growth leadership experience
● Experience designing or improving people systems and operational standards
● Bilingual skills are a plus
Compensation & Benefits
● Competitive salary range: $95,000–$120,000, depending on experience
● Benefits package including medical coverage, paid time off, and holidays
● Store discount
● Professional development through NCG and cooperative networks
● A collaborative, mission-driven work environment with strong community support
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest to:
Board@suncoastmarket.coop
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Equal Opportunity Employer
SunCoast Market Co-op is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and
equitable workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender
identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected class.
We are always accepting applications, even if we don’t have a position open right away.
SunCoast Market Job Application
SunCoast Market Co-op is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at SunCoast Market Co-op are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or any other status protected by law.
