General Manager

Co-opportunity Market, a revered institution in Santa Monica for over 50 years, stands as a beacon of food justice, sustainable practices, and community engagement. Founded in 1974, this community-owned natural food cooperative has consistently challenged the status quo of corporate grocery chains by emphasizing exceptional food quality, fair wages, environmental stewardship, and accessibility for diverse populations. Located in the vibrant city of Santa Monica, Co-opportunity Market has cultivated a loyal membership and a dedicated customer base that values its pioneering spirit and cooperative economic principles. The co-op has become more than just a grocery store; it is a hub for community interaction, education about food justice, and support for local farmers and producers. As a cooperative, it fosters a sense of collective ownership and accountability among its members and staff, contributing to the resilient local economy and promoting equitable access to nutritious food.

The General Manager role at Co-opportunity Market represents a unique leadership opportunity to guide this essential community institution through a transformative phase. This is a full-time position with an ideal salary range of $150,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, alongside comprehensive benefits. The chosen candidate will hold full operational authority, steering the organization towards heightened relevance, profitability, and community impact. The General Manager will be entrusted to build and lead a winning team, fostering a supportive and empowering workplace culture that nurtures career growth and leadership development. This position requires a visionary leader who can hit ambitious financial targets while expanding access to healthy food options for the cooperative’s members, guests, and community partners.

Key responsibilities include innovating the cooperative business model to demonstrate that cooperative values and retail excellence can coexist as competitive advantages. The General Manager will partner with the Board of Directors to define the strategic vision and will have the autonomy to execute this strategy effectively. Success in the first year will be measured by strong financial performance, a vibrant and engaged team culture, enriched relationships with local food producers, and the implementation of operational systems to empower leadership. Beyond the first year, the role aims to establish Co-opportunity Market as a household name in Santa Monica, achieve membership growth reflective of the community’s diversity, create a workplace conducive to career development in food justice, and ensure ongoing financial resilience to secure the co-op's mission continuity.

The co-op is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, actively encouraging applicants from all backgrounds and identities. Candidates passionate about food justice, sustainability, cooperative economics, and community engagement will find this role a compelling opportunity to make a lasting impact. This position demands strategic thinking paired with operational excellence, an ownership mindset characterized by accountability and responsiveness, comfort in collaborating with a board, and flexibility for occasional after-hours presence. Experience in grocery retail management, natural or organic retail sectors, or cooperative business models, bilingual abilities in English and Spanish, and strong community connections are highly valued but not mandatory.

Overall, the General Manager will play a critical role in shaping the future of Co-opportunity Market, championing an inclusive and thriving food cooperative that not only meets the demands of modern consumers but also actively contributes to food justice and sustainability in Santa Monica.