About the role
South Country Co-op is seeking an exceptional executive leader to join our organization as Vice President, Consumer Business Unit, a critical role accountable for leading a diversified $200M+ consumer retail portfolio spanning Food, Liquor, Pharmacy, and Gas Bar operations. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role shapes the strategic direction, operational excellence, and long‑term growth of one of the largest divisions within our Co-op.
As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the VP will drive strategy, elevate the guest experience, build strong teams, and ensure the Consumer business unit continues to thrive in a highly competitive and evolving retail landscape.
About the Role
The Vice President, Consumer Business Unit provides leadership, guiding divisional strategy, performance, and culture. This role is accountable for advancing market growth, accelerating operational excellence, driving financial performance, and strengthening our iconic Co-op brand across all consumer facing operations.
This is a senior, purpose driven critical role for a visionary leader who brings strategic insight, consumer acumen, and the ability to lead leaders.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to define strategy, growth priorities, and long‑range plans.
- Provide strategic leadership across all Consumer Division operations, ensuring strong alignment with corporate strategy and Co‑operative values.
- Strengthen market position through innovation, enhanced customer experience, and execution of brand and merchandising standards.
- Lead a high‑performing team of senior leaders; build leadership capability, succession depth, and a culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and results.
- Oversee strategic business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance of a $200M multi‑site retail portfolio.
- Leverage business intelligence, analytics, and emerging technologies to drive data‑informed decision‑making and operational improvement.
- Identify and advance new growth opportunities, including market expansion, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
- Represent the division with influence and clarity to Members, Board of Directors, Executive Leadership, and key partners.
- Ensure the highest standards of safety, risk management, sustainability, and operational integrity across all locations.
- Serve as a visible brand ambassador, championing our Purpose, Vision, Values, and cooperative identity.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive retail leadership, including 8+ years in senior strategic or executive roles.
- Proven success leading large, complex, multi‑site operations; Co‑operative Retailing System (CRS) experience is an asset.
- Demonstrated strength in strategy, financial stewardship, operational excellence, and high‑performing team leadership.
- Exceptional ability to communicate, influence, and present at Board and executive levels.
- Strong analytical and business insight, with experience driving decisions through data, technology, and innovation.
- Degree in Business, Commerce, Operations, or related discipline (MBA an asset).
- Valid driver’s license and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Why Join South Country Co‑op?
We’re a member-owned cooperative that serves more than 68,000 member-owners across Southern Alberta. As one of Western Canada’s leading Co-ops, we are deeply committed to:
- Investing in our local communities
- Building engaged, high-performing teams
- Delivering exceptional guest experiences
- Growing sustainably and responsibly
- Living our purpose of Enriching Lives and Communities
You will join a purpose driven organization where your leadership will shape the future of consumer retail for thousands of members across our region.
How to Apply
If you are a forward‑thinking executive leader with the vision and capability to lead a dynamic $200M+ division, we invite you to apply. Applications will be accepted until 27 March, 2026.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted.
About South Country Co-op
We are a member-owned Co-operative with locations throughout Southern Alberta. We employ close to 700 employees at our various locations and take pride in the fact that we have over 62,000 members.
Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who elect representatives as their board of directors, who in turn hire the management of their local association. Lifetime membership is a one-time cost of $5 and can be purchased at any of our staffed locations.
The continuing development of South Country Co-op is a priority for its board of directors, management and employees. South Country Co-op believes in serving the needs of their members and customers through exceptional service, quality products, variety, selection, choice and value. Traditions that started decades ago remain the cornerstone of who we are today. A promise to stay local, a commitment to the community and a business model that shares profits with anyone who wishes to become a member.
About the role
South Country Co-op is seeking an exceptional executive leader to join our organization as Vice President, Consumer Business Unit, a critical role accountable for leading a diversified $200M+ consumer retail portfolio spanning Food, Liquor, Pharmacy, and Gas Bar operations. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role shapes the strategic direction, operational excellence, and long‑term growth of one of the largest divisions within our Co-op.
As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the VP will drive strategy, elevate the guest experience, build strong teams, and ensure the Consumer business unit continues to thrive in a highly competitive and evolving retail landscape.
About the Role
The Vice President, Consumer Business Unit provides leadership, guiding divisional strategy, performance, and culture. This role is accountable for advancing market growth, accelerating operational excellence, driving financial performance, and strengthening our iconic Co-op brand across all consumer facing operations.
This is a senior, purpose driven critical role for a visionary leader who brings strategic insight, consumer acumen, and the ability to lead leaders.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to define strategy, growth priorities, and long‑range plans.
- Provide strategic leadership across all Consumer Division operations, ensuring strong alignment with corporate strategy and Co‑operative values.
- Strengthen market position through innovation, enhanced customer experience, and execution of brand and merchandising standards.
- Lead a high‑performing team of senior leaders; build leadership capability, succession depth, and a culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and results.
- Oversee strategic business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance of a $200M multi‑site retail portfolio.
- Leverage business intelligence, analytics, and emerging technologies to drive data‑informed decision‑making and operational improvement.
- Identify and advance new growth opportunities, including market expansion, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
- Represent the division with influence and clarity to Members, Board of Directors, Executive Leadership, and key partners.
- Ensure the highest standards of safety, risk management, sustainability, and operational integrity across all locations.
- Serve as a visible brand ambassador, championing our Purpose, Vision, Values, and cooperative identity.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive retail leadership, including 8+ years in senior strategic or executive roles.
- Proven success leading large, complex, multi‑site operations; Co‑operative Retailing System (CRS) experience is an asset.
- Demonstrated strength in strategy, financial stewardship, operational excellence, and high‑performing team leadership.
- Exceptional ability to communicate, influence, and present at Board and executive levels.
- Strong analytical and business insight, with experience driving decisions through data, technology, and innovation.
- Degree in Business, Commerce, Operations, or related discipline (MBA an asset).
- Valid driver’s license and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Why Join South Country Co‑op?
We’re a member-owned cooperative that serves more than 68,000 member-owners across Southern Alberta. As one of Western Canada’s leading Co-ops, we are deeply committed to:
- Investing in our local communities
- Building engaged, high-performing teams
- Delivering exceptional guest experiences
- Growing sustainably and responsibly
- Living our purpose of Enriching Lives and Communities
You will join a purpose driven organization where your leadership will shape the future of consumer retail for thousands of members across our region.
How to Apply
If you are a forward‑thinking executive leader with the vision and capability to lead a dynamic $200M+ division, we invite you to apply. Applications will be accepted until 27 March, 2026.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted.
About South Country Co-op
We are a member-owned Co-operative with locations throughout Southern Alberta. We employ close to 700 employees at our various locations and take pride in the fact that we have over 62,000 members.
Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who elect representatives as their board of directors, who in turn hire the management of their local association. Lifetime membership is a one-time cost of $5 and can be purchased at any of our staffed locations.
The continuing development of South Country Co-op is a priority for its board of directors, management and employees. South Country Co-op believes in serving the needs of their members and customers through exceptional service, quality products, variety, selection, choice and value. Traditions that started decades ago remain the cornerstone of who we are today. A promise to stay local, a commitment to the community and a business model that shares profits with anyone who wishes to become a member.