People & Culture Manager

Job Description

Job Description

For 50 years, Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op has existed to serve our community through healthy food, support for local producers, environmentally sustainable practices, and cooperative ownership. Today, over 7,000 member-owner households and a growing community of shoppers rely on our Co-op each week. In the last year alone, we directed over $7 million toward Vermont producers and contributed more than $100,000 through food access discounts, food shelf donations, and community giving initiatives.We are looking for a thoughtful, experienced, and emotionally intelligent People & Culture Manager to help lead and support the people who make this work possible.This is an opportunity to help shape workplace culture, leadership development, communication systems, employee support structures, and organizational health inside a mission-driven business that serves both people and purpose.The People and Culture Manager reports directly to the General Manager and works closely with department leaders across the organization. You will support a staff of more than 100 employees in a fast-paced retail environment that is collaborative, dynamic, and continuously evolving.You will lead and support:Recruitment and HiringEmployee relationsPerformance management and coachingCompensation and benefits administrationLeadership Support and developmentTraining and onboarding systemsHR compliance and policy administrationWorkplace culture and engagementOrganizational communication and change managementYou will serve as both a strategic partner and a trusted day-to-day resource for managers and staff alike.The ideal candidate understands that strong workplace culture is built through consistency, accountability, compassion, clarity, and trust.Who You AreYou are someone who can navigate complexity with steadiness and professionalismYou are a strong listener, a clear communicator, and someone who can balance empathy with accountability. You know how to support leaders while also advocating for healthy systems and sustainable workplace practices.You are comfortable navigating difficult conversations, organizational change, and competing priorities while maintaining confidentiality, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment.Preferred QualificationsWe are looking for candidates with:At least 5 years of HR leadership experience across multiple HR disciplines including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, and organizational development Experience supporting organizations with 100+ employees Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills Experience in retail, grocery, hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, or another fast-paced operational environment Knowledge of employment law and HR best practices Experience with HRIS/payroll systems (Paylocity experience is a plus) Degree in Human Resources management or related fieldPHR, SPHR or SHRM certificationCompensation & BenefitsStarting salary: $92,000 – $100,000, depending on experienceAdditional benefits include:Group health insuranceOptional dental and vision insuranceFlexible spending account (FSA)3+ weeks paid time offPaid Holidays401(k)Profit -sharing bonus programPaid parental leaveLife insuranceEmployee Assistance ProgramCo-op MembershipStaff discount$500 hiring bonus after 6 months employment To learn more about our amazing community, you may want to explore this link: you would love to work in a unique organization with devoted staff, learn more and apply on our website Please attach a resume and letter of interest.