Jobs at the Co-op

What is the People’s Food Co-op?

The People’s Food Cooperative (PFC) is a consumer cooperative, an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

We’ve been in business since 1971. We specialize in local, organic, natural food and cater to a wide variety of diets and lifestyles.

PFC staff work to serve the store’s customers, which means we hire people who are:

• Customer-service superstars
• Willing to learn different aspects of the natural-food business
• Able to take personal responsibility for their work
• Interested in having fun while working hard

Benefits for PFC employees include:

• 15% discount on purchases
• Paid breaks
• GO!Pass to ride free on Ann Arbor buses
• Health and dental insurance (if you work 30+ hrs/wk)
• Vision and short-term disability insurance (for eligible full-time positions)
• Sick and vacation pay (for eligible full-time positions)
• SIMPLE IRA Retirement Plan
• Depending on position, many staff members enjoy union representation through UFCW 876

Where can I find out what positions People’s Food Co-op is hiring for?

In addition to the right column of this page, we post all open positions on the bulletin board next to the store entrance. We may also post openings on other websites such as Craigslist.

What if no positions are open now? Can I still apply?

We do accept applications even when we are not currently hiring for a position. We receive many applications and, unfortunately, can’t acknowledge each one we receive.

How long do you keep my application? Can I apply again?

Your application will be active for 30 days. If you’re interested in an open position and it’s been more than 30 days since you applied, you’re welcome to submit a new application.

What happens after I apply?

First, our Human Resources Director reviews applications and routes applications to managers who have openings in their departments. Next the hiring manager chooses suitable candidates to interview and these selected individuals are invited to interview at the store. Finally, the hiring manager selects the right person to join the team!

Can I talk to the hiring manager for the position?

Out of respect for the workload our managers carry to serve our owners and community, we allow only those who are selected for an interview to speak with the hiring manager about our open positions.

Who can I speak with if I have additional questions?

You can stop by the store to fill out an Application Follow-up Form, leave it with a staff member and we’ll contact you.

Are we right for each other? Ask yourself these questions:

Are you outgoing?

If you feel shy or awkward when talking to strangers, this might not be the place for you. We expect our staff to provide superior customer service—to smile and greet customers when they enter the store, to make conversation with people from all walks of life.

Are you good at switching gears?

Even when the store is quiet with very few customers, there is always work to be done. You may find yourself busy with stocking, cleaning and more. But when a customer walks in the door we must be ready to switch gears to fast, friendly service with a smile.

Are you willing to learn new things?

People know us as experts in local foods, organic and natural products. You’ll need to make an effort to educate yourself about the products we carry so that you can intelligently discuss these things with the customers. We are happy to assist you in this process, but the motivation must come from you. We expect you to ask questions and remember what you’ve learned.

Can you commit to a schedule?

We are all responsible for creating the best shopping experience for our customers, which means staying committed to set schedules. We try to be flexible, but we rely on our employees to keep their commitments.

Do you pay attention to little things?

Here at the PFC, customer service is more than a phrase, it’s an action. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile for our customers. It’s the thoughtful little things that make each shopper feel special, like remembering what coffee drink they prefer in the morning, or carrying their groceries to their car. Simple, friendly touches go such a long way.

Is your glass half empty or half full?

You know how great it is to work around other enthusiastic, motivated co-workers. We need fun, positive folks working here at PFC. You know the kind of person we mean—you always have a smile on your face, and the customer never knows when you’re having a bad day.