GENERAL MANAGER - COMMUNITY FOOD LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY at Spartan Housing Cooperative

Benefits:

• Bonus based on performance
• Training & development
  
  
  

GENERAL MANAGER - COMMUNITY FOOD LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Organization: Eastside Lansing Food Co-op (ELFCO)

Location: Lansing, MI (Allen Place, 1619 E. Kalamazoo St.)

Employment Type: Full-time, exempt

Compensation: $40,000–$60,000 depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus

Start Date: As soon as available

Application Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis

About The Opportunity

The Eastside Lansing Food Co-op (ELFCO) is hiring a General Manager to lead our community-owned grocery store through a period of critical rebuilding. We are not currently financially solvent — and while operations are stable, sales have plateaued and need immediate attention.

This is a pivotal role for someone ready to stabilize, strategize, and grow a neighborhood grocery co-op with equity at its core. The General Manager will manage day-to-day operations, develop a motivated staff team, and work with the Board to build ELFCO’s financial and community momentum.

ELFCO is more than a store. Our vision is to be a member-owned cooperative rooted in food justice, democratic control, and neighborhood-based economic resilience. We're looking for a leader who shares that vision and can help bring it into reality.

Where We Are Now

ELFCO relaunched in 2022 inside Allen Place, a community health and food hub led by the Allen Neighborhood Center (ANC). We are:

• Holding steady in sales, but urgently need growth
• Still building our staffing, marketing, and operations systems
• Located in a space that may eventually require expansion, integration, or relocation
• Supported by a committed Board, staff, and community of member-owners
  
  
  

The Board is committed to supporting this position for at least 6–9 months, regardless of short-term store performance. However, bonuses and longer-term employment will be tied to progress on sales growth, operational improvements, and financial metrics.

What You’ll Lead

• Store Operations: Purchasing, pricing, inventory, merchandising, vendor relations, store upkeep
• Staff Leadership: Hire, schedule, and supervise a small team; build trust and accountability
• Marketing & Outreach: Relaunch promotions, drive foot traffic, improve signage and visibility
• Finance & Budgeting: Track sales, labor, cash flow, and margin weekly; manage real-time budget and accounts payable; provide regular, clear reports to the Board
• Community Visioning: Work with the Board to clarify ELFCO’s mission, impact, and long-term growth strategy
• ANC Collaboration: Build a strong, reciprocal relationship with the Allen Neighborhood Center and explore shared programming or leadership integration
• Systems Building: Establish SOPs, compliance checklists, inventory procedures, and performance tracking tools
  
  
  

You Might Be the Right Fit If You Are…

• A builder and doer — energized by complexity and purpose-driven work
• Experienced in grocery, food systems, or small business management
• Skilled in marketing, merchandising, and customer engagement to grow revenue
• Comfortable managing people, budgets, and strategy in a hands-on setting
• Committed to food access, cooperative values, and economic justice
• Able to communicate clearly across cultures, classes, and community settings
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• 2+ years of management experience in retail grocery or related field
• Experience with hiring, scheduling, and staff development
• Demonstrated ability to manage daily financial operations, including reconciling bank accounts, tracking payables, generating internal reports, and collaborating with external accountants or contract bookkeepers
• Financial accountability is essential. Candidates must be able to manage real-time budgeting and cash flow, interpret financial reports, and either perform or oversee basic bookkeeping functions in collaboration with the Board and any contracted support.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings/weekends, as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work on your feet
  
  
  

What We Offer

• $40,000–$60,000 salary, depending on experience
• Performance-based bonus tied to agreed-upon benchmarks
• A co-governed store and supportive Board
• Access to national co-op peer networks and resources
• A meaningful opportunity to help shape ELFCO’s future — including its mission, physical space, and impact in Lansing
  
  
  

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to:

In your cover letter, tell us:

• Why are you drawn to this role?
• What skills, experience, or vision would you bring to ELFCO right now?
• What are your salary expectations and any specific needs or constraints you’d like us to consider?
  
  
  

Equal Opportunity Statement

ELFCO is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and candidates with lived experience navigating food access, economic hardship, or systems change.