Job Description

Title: Store Manager

Location: White River Junction/Hartford, VT

Pay Range: $84-130K base

Store Manager – Co-op Food Stores

About the Hanover Co-op Food Stores

The Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society —one of the oldest and most successful co-ops in the United States—has been serving the Upper Valley since 1936. With locations in Hanover, Lebanon, and White River Junction , the Co-op is known for its commitment to community ownership, local partnerships, food education, environmental sustainability, and high-quality products from regional growers and producers.

The Co-op operates grocery stores, service stations, and a community market, all rooted in cooperative values of democracy, equity, and concern for community. Team members enjoy working in a mission-driven environment that prioritizes the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit .

Position Overview

The Store Manager serves as a key strategic leader of the Co-op Food Store, responsible for shaping and executing the vision, culture, and operational success of the store. This role extends beyond daily operations to include developing and implementing strategies that elevate the customer experience, optimize financial performance, strengthen employee engagement, and advance the Co-op’s mission of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and financial strength for both short- and long-term success.

In partnership with Human Resources, Marketing, Merchandising, and the Assistant Store Manager , and through strategic workforce planning, financial forecasting, and talent development, the Store Manager ensures the store thrives in a competitive marketplace while fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Customer & Community Leadership

• Define and implement strategies to enhance the customer experience, build loyalty, and expand the Co-op’s presence in the community.

Financial & Operational Strategy

• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and performance targets.
• Monitor financial and operational goals to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.
• Provide input on addressing under-performing areas through financial analysis.

People & Culture Development

• Partner with HR to recruit, retain, and develop top talent.
• Mentor leaders, build career pathways, and ensure accountability through performance management systems.

Merchandising & Market Growth

• Collaborate with Merchandising to shape product strategy, optimize inventory, and drive sales initiatives aligned with customer needs and market trends.

Risk, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure strict compliance with labor, health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Proactively manage risks and implement practices that safeguard staff, members, and assets.

Co-op Mission Stewardship

• Champion and model the Co-op’s triple bottom line approach and Open Book Management practices.
• Work with Merchandising to assist with new sales strategies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Adhere to and model the Manager’s Code of Conduct.
• Participate in department meetings and complete required trainings.
• Follow all Co-op policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Leadership Functions

• Lead strategic initiatives to grow sales, profitability, and customer loyalty.
• Create and maintain an outstanding store environment that reflects Co-op standards.
• Partner with Operations and/or HR on workforce planning, recruitment, and succession.
• Build high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, and development.
• Conduct financial and operational analyses to identify opportunities and address underperformance.
• Partner with merchandising and inventory teams to maximize profitability and customer value.
• Implement safety, security, and risk mitigation processes and provide feedback.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with members and staff.
• Lead cultural initiatives promoting accountability, inclusivity, and Co-op values.
• Serve as a visible role model of leadership, integrity, and customer commitment.

Required Skills, Experience & Attributes

• 5–7 years of progressive retail management experience (grocery preferred).
• Demonstrated success leading teams, driving sales, and managing P&L responsibility.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field preferred.
• Proven ability to design and execute strategic plans with measurable outcomes.
• Knowledge of operations management, budgeting, merchandising, inventory, and margin control.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills.
• Commitment to employee engagement and collaborative leadership.
• Familiarity with Open Book Management principles.
• Solid knowledge of POS and inventory systems.
• Cash handling / cash office knowledge.
• Ability to lift 30–35 pounds consistently.

About Living in White River Junction, VT

White River Junction is a historic, artistic, and vibrant village located in the heart of the Upper Valley, a region spanning Vermont and New Hampshire known for its natural beauty, quality of life, and community spirit.

Highlights include:

• Thriving Arts Community: Home to arts venues, indie theaters, galleries, and the Vermont Center for Cartoon Studies.
• Outdoor Living: Access to hiking, skiing, biking, the Connecticut River, and numerous state parks—perfect for year-round recreation.
• Small-Town Charm + Urban Amenities: A walkable downtown, locally owned restaurants, cafés, bookstores, and historic architecture.
• High Quality of Life: Clean air, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community.
• Centrally Located: Easy access to Hanover, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, and major regional employers—ideal for families, professionals, and those who appreciate balance.

Working at the Hanover Co-op means becoming part of a mission-driven organization at the center of a region known for collaboration, creativity, and a high standard of living.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds. We share a common passion for our member-owned Co-op, our communities, and for improving people's lives.

Diversity includes race, gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and many other aspects of identity. Every point of view helps shape our success, and fostering inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

This compensation range reflects the company's expectations for this position at the time of posting. Actual pay will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, alignment with role responsibilities, education, demonstrated skills, and performance during the interview process.

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