West Chester Food Cooperative Assistant Store Manager West Chester, PA · Full time Company website

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West Chester Cooperative is a community-owned grocery store committed to providing fresh, local, and sustainable food while strengthening our regional food system. As a community-owned cooperative, we enable members to make informed, ethical food choices that support both our local economy and the well-being of our community.​ Our Values Community: A welcoming space for all that fosters connections and shared values. Local & Sustainable Food: Prioritizing local, responsibly sourced products. Transparency & Education: Honest communication and learning opportunities. Accessibility: We aim to provide high-quality healthful food at reasonable prices.

Assistant Store Manager – Community-Owned Grocery

The Assistant Store Manager is a fully cross-trained, hands-on leader supporting all areas of our community-owned co-op grocery, including Front End, Fresh Departments (Produce, Meat & Cheese, Bulk, Grab & Go), Grocery & Wellness, and Receiving.

Reporting to the General Manager, this role ensures smooth daily operations while upholding cooperative values, exceptional member-owner service, food safety standards, and strong financial controls.

This role is more than retail management — it is an opportunity to help lead a purpose-driven, community-owned grocery store.

Join the founding team launching West Chester’s community-owned grocery store and help build a market that supports local farms, producers, and our community. Assistant Store Managers play an important role in creating a welcoming neighborhood market while strengthening the regional food system.

About the West Chester Cooperative

The West Chester Cooperative is a community-owned grocery store located in the Borough of West Chester, PA. Our mission is to provide high-quality food while supporting local farms, local producers, and a resilient regional food system.

Our store is owned by hundreds of community member-owners who believe in good food, sustainability, and strengthening the local economy.

Opening a new co-op grocery is an exciting opportunity to help build something meaningful for the community.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Rate Starts at $22/hour and is commensurate with experience
• Full-time position (35+ hours per week)
• Health benefits, paid time off, employee discounts
• Leadership development through cross-department experience
• Opportunity to grow with the West Chester Cooperative as part of our founding team

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support team members across all departments in alignment with co-op values
• Deliver outstanding service to customers and member-owners
• Ensure accurate pricing, merchandising, shrink control, and inventory flow
• Oversee cash handling, POS operations, and loss prevention procedures
• Maintain food safety, workplace safety, and labor compliance standards
• Supervise receiving, storage, and back-of-house organization
• Serve as Manager on Duty, making real-time operational decisions
• Coach, train, and support team development

Qualifications

• Supervisory experience in grocery, food service, or retail
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to cooperative values and community engagement
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Co-op or natural foods grocery experience is a plus
• Coachability and ability to follow established SOP guidelines
• Be, or become upon hiring, a member-owner of the West Chester Cooperative

Physical Capabilities & Work Environment

• Ability to read labels, distinguish color and smell, and communicate effectively
• Frequently lift and carry 30–45 lbs (boxes, tools, product)
• Ability to stoop, kneel, and maneuver safely to retrieve items
• Movement-based role with the majority of time spent walking and standing
• Regular work in cold environments such as coolers, freezers, and back-stock areas

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Chester Cooperative is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Work Location: In person