Hiring a General Manager: What’s happening?

Kootenay Co-op has been in need of a new General Manager since October, 2022.  As it’s been awhile, we’d like to update you on our process.

We are looking for someone who is passionate and has a strong belief in the Co-op’s mission and vision.  Our Co-op needs  someone who can help us strengthen and support our community and local food system and provide products that are good for the individual, the community and the planet. They must also believe in balancing social justice, environmental stewardship and financial responsibility. This may not seem  difficult to find locally, however the successful candidate must also be knowledgeable in the grocery industry with a high degree of understanding of its complexities. In addition, our new GM must be someone who is a good communicator, embodies the values of our co-op, and values the contribution of each and every one of our employees. This is a tall order.

Although we would prefer to hire locally, we have not limited our search to local candidates, having advertised throughout Canada and the USA.  We have done specific marketing within the Co-op world in the USA. However, there are further challenges when it comes to attracting suitable candidates from a distance. Although most of us feel that the city of Nelson and the Kootenays in general are an amazing place to live, relocating a family here can be difficult if a spouse or partner also needs employment. We do not have a wide number of  options for children who require some forms of specialized schooling. And rural life in general does not always suit every member of a family.

The Board’s hiring committee is working extremely hard to find a GM we believe will benefit our store, who either currently lives in our area or who wants to make it their new home. We have had many applicants, numerous initial interviews, and are still searching for the right person.  In the meantime, our co-op has been thriving in the capable hands of our two Interim General Managers: Sean Silverson and Ashley Elliott. We’d love for you to join us at the AGM on September 25, online or in person to hear the IGM and President’s reports. And wouldn’t it be nice if we also had good news about our GM search by then?