General Manager

Job Title: General Manager

Location: The Merc Co+op - Lawrence, KS

Employment Type: Full-Time, In Person (On-Site)

The Merc Co+op

For more than 50 years, The Merc Co+op has served as a community gathering place, trusted grocery store, and advocate for healthy food, local producers, and cooperative values.

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as our next General Manager.

As the chief executive of the cooperative, the General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, financial health, operational performance, organizational culture, and strategic direction of The Merc. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors under a Policy Governance model, the General Manager works closely with a talented leadership team to ensure the cooperative remains financially strong, mission-driven, and deeply connected to the community it serves.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Lead the organization in support of The Merc's mission, Ends Policies, and strategic goals.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to support long-term organizational success.
• Provide regular updates regarding organizational performance, opportunities, and risks.
• Guide strategic initiatives and organizational planning efforts.

Financial & Business Leadership

• Oversee annual budgets, financial performance, and long-term sustainability.
• Monitor sales, labor, profitability, and key business metrics.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Balance financial performance with mission-driven objectives.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, support, and develop the Director team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support leadership development, succession planning, and employee engagement.
• Ensure organizational alignment across multiple departments and functions.

Retail Operations

• Provide oversight of store operations and customer experience.
• Support Directors and Managers in achieving operational goals.
• Promote operational excellence while preserving the unique culture of The Merc.
• Ensure a safe, welcoming, and effective environment for employees and customers.

Community & Cooperative Leadership

• Serve as a visible representative of The Merc within the community.
• Build relationships with owners, customers, local producers, vendors, and community partners.
• Champion cooperative values and principles throughout the organization.
• Support community engagement and cooperative education efforts.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates will typically possess:

• Five (5) or more years of progressive leadership experience in grocery retail, food retail, retail operations, cooperative management, or a related field.
• Experience leading managers, senior leaders, or multi-department operations.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop teams and navigate organizational change.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience serving in a senior leadership role (Director, Vice President, General Manager, Executive Director, or equivalent) with organization-wide responsibility is preferred.
• Experience working within a cooperative organization or with a Board of Directors is preferred but not required.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Why The Merc?

At The Merc, success is measured by more than financial results alone.

We strive to strengthen our community, support local and regional producers, provide access to quality food, and create meaningful employment opportunities while operating a sustainable and successful business.

This is an opportunity to lead an organization where relationships matter, community matters, and values matter.

About Lawrence

Lawrence, Kansas is a vibrant community of nearly 100,000 residents located between the Kansas City and Topeka metro areas. 

Home to the University of Kansas, Lawrence combines the energy of a college town with a strong culture of community engagement, independent businesses, regional food systems, and the arts. 

Residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life with convenient access to the greater Kansas City region, Kansas City International Airport, and the amenities of a major metropolitan area.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Discount
• Financial Planning Resources
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Salary Range: $95,000 - $120,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating from outside the local area.

Schedule Expectations

This exempt leadership position requires a flexible schedule based on organizational needs and may include:

• Daytime, evening, and weekend work
• Monthly Board of Directors meetings
• Community and cooperative events
• Availability for significant operational, facility, safety, security, or emergency situations requiring leadership involvement

The General Manager serves as part of the organization's emergency contact structure and is expected to maintain a visible presence throughout the cooperative.

The Merc Co+op values diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or otherwise engage in the hiring process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.