General Manager

Hornby Island Co-op invites applications for the position of General Manager (GM) on a permanent full-time basis to lead its team.

As the heart and economic hub of the community, the Hornby Island Co-op has supported its member owners since 1955. The Co-op is a one-stop shop for the island, with annual sales of $9 million. It operates a full line Grocery Store, Hardware Department, Liquor Outlet, Post Office and a Gas Bar/Convenience Store, and is one of the largest employers on the island, with close to 35 staff year-round (increasing to around 50+ during the summer).

What you’ll do:

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of the Co-op’s operations, in accordance with its bylaws and established financial and operational plans and policies. The GM has overall strategic, fiscal, and operational responsibility for the Co-op, including the leadership and development of the leadership team.  The primary responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to the following:

• Strategy – Collaborating with the Board to develop a strategy aligned with the Co-op’s vision, mission, and values. Translating the strategy into the tactical direction, goals, objectives, and initiatives for the Co-op.

• Financial Stewardship – Leading the development of the Co-op’s annual operating and capital budgets and ensuring efficient operation and adherence to the budget.

• Operations – Overseeing the overall operation of the Co-op and ensuring the efficient utilization of resourcing and assets to achieve operational plans and business outcomes. Responsible for maintaining a positive relationship with the union as well as establishing and reviewing operational policy as it applies to non-union staff and matters outside of the collective agreement. Will be the main point of contact for the Ringside lease holders and be responsible for negotiating and renewing leases as well as addressing any issues as they arise.

• Leadership – Providing visible leadership and maintaining a positive work environment that promotes the engagement and development of all team members to support the achievement of desired results and a positive customer experience.  Relationships – Building and enhancing relationships with members, customers, team members, and stakeholders.

• Special Projects – New Building Construction – The Board has given approval for a new Co-op building with construction starting in January 2026. While the main focus of the GM role will be on store operations, some oversight and input on decisions for the new building will be required.

• Policies & Procedures - Regularly review existing organizational policies and collaborate with the board to draft, revise, and approve updated policies that align with organizational goals.

Who you’ll work with:

The Team: You will work closely with the Board of Directors and will have 4 direct reports within the management team. This team strives to cultivate a culture of honesty, inclusion, and support for the community they serve.

The Community: Tucked in the middle of the Salish Sea, Hornby Island is a world of sandy beaches, lush forests, and breathtaking scenery. Many came for a visit and stayed for life!  With close to 1,200 year-round residents, Hornby is home to artists, retired professionals, small business owners, remote workers, and young families, who have created a vibrant community with a shared vision and love of rural island life. It is also a favored holiday destination, easily quadrupling in population during the summer months. For more information on Hornby Island please visit https://hornbyisland.com/

Why it matters:

Our team provides a range of products and services to support our member-owners. Through the work that we do, we help to build, fuel, feed and grow Western Canadian communities together.

Who you are:

• You are a recognized leader in Retail Store Operations and have:

• Have a degree or diploma in Business/Commerce with 7+ years of relevant experience in a retail environment. Experience in grocery and fuel sales preferred, or a combination of relevant experience and education.

• Strong skills in overseeing detailed department operating budgets, timelines, people, and processes.

• Demonstrated experience improving performance that positively effects the Co-op’s cash flow.

• Presentation skills that enable new ideas to be discussed openly and collaboratively enabling the right decision for the Co-op.

• Experience establishing and complying with WCB safety standards to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers.

• A reputation for being honest and trustworthy, results-oriented, and striving to be the best in what you do.

• A commitment to building relationships and collaborating to deliver solutions that matter most, and you recognize the value that different perspectives bring to meet shared objectives.

• Experience working on both a union and non-union setting would be an asset.

What we offer:

• An approximate salary range of $95,720-$120,000.

• Short-term incentives, a comprehensive benefits package, and an employer-contributed pension plan.

• This position may be eligible for Co-op provided housing and relocation assistance for the successful candidate.

• We encourage our team members to take advantage of learning opportunities, to grow, develop and foster a culture of teamwork and innovation.

• As a co-operative, we believe in working together to serve Western Canadians, delivering profits back to our communities and investing in sustainable growth. To learn more about who we are and how you can help bring our brand to life, visit us at https://www.hornbycoop.com/.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process to ensure an enjoyable candidate experience. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, we invite you to submit your requests to us via retailtalentacquisition@fcl.crs. All information received will be kept confidential.

If this opportunity speaks to you, we invite you to apply by December 3, 2025. FOR THE HUB: by sending your resume and cover letter to retailtalentacquisition@fcl.crs. We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted.

Please note, as this position is considered a position of trust, you may be required to complete a criminal background check and credit check in accordance with Hornby Island Co-op policies.

General Manager Posting (PDF)