The Portland Food Co-op is a community of people who are passionate about local food and community. We’re currently looking to fill the following positions.
Contract Position: Business Plan Project Manager
The Business Plan Project Manager will work with the Board to develop and write the Portland Food Co-op’s business plan. The Project Manager will lead and facilitate the process, conduct necessary background research, involve current member-owners and the Board in contributing to the document, and educate member-owners and the Board about the source and rationale of key assumptions and background research used to inform key decisions.
Key Activities:
- Conduct or commission a market study to determine whether the local market can bear our ideas
- Integrate existing survey data
- Research market competition and identify the co-op’s unique niche
- Help develop financial projections using industry standards, start-up benchmarks and information from comparable co-ops
Expected Outcomes/Deliverables:
- Final business plan approved by the Board
- Background data and market research to support conclusions
Required Skills:
- Business planning experience
- Understanding of the PFC’s unique model (or an ability to adapt quickly)
- Strong communication skills to help the Board grow its expertise in business planning
- Industry knowledge or ability to tap into community resources in areas where support is needed
- Ties to the local business community and possible target funders and local foods supporters
- Good facilitation skills, respect for process and member-owner involvement
- Flexibility and ability to meet deadlines
Time Commitment:
It is anticipated that the project will take 80-120 hours, beginning in November with a final product produced by mid-January, 2013. A Board subcommittee will develop a more detailed work plan in partnership with the Project Manager.
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume to admin@portlandfoodcoop.org, deadline November 12th. Please also include 3 references and a list of relevant clients (past and/or present), as well as a brief writing sample.