Fresh Market Director - Sankofa Community Development

HR NOLA•New Orleans, LA

29d•$55,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Fresh Start Market Director is responsible for the full scope of market operations — overseeing the retail store, café, Teaching Kitchen, and all associated staff and systems. This role requires a hands-on leader with a strong background in food retail, staff supervision, inventory management, and customer service. We are seeking a candidate who is highly organized, solutions-oriented, and capable of creating structure where needed. The ideal candidate understands how to implement and maintain systems, coach and support a team, and take ownership of challenges while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Market. This is a critical leadership role within Sankofa CDC that works closely with the CEO and broader staff. This position requires a hands-on presence throughout the Market. The Director will regularly assist with floor operations and must be comfortable performing physical tasks associated with a grocery and café environment.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in food retail, grocery, café, or food service management preferred
Proven ability to manage inventory systems, vendor orders, and cost controls
Prior supervisory experience including hiring, scheduling, training, and coaching
Knowledge of food safety and ServSafe best practices (ServSafe certification preferred)
Familiarity with Clover POS or similar retail systems
Experience writing or implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating with a broader team

Nice To Haves

Experience with nonprofit or mission-based groceries a plus
Knowledge of cafe and barista systems
Knowledge of basic budget and accounting systems

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations of the retail grocery store
Ensure consistent implementation of operating procedures across all Market areas
Maintain product display standards, food safety compliance, and cleanliness
Assist with stocking, organizing backroom storage, and rotating inventory as needed to support daily operations.
Manage café and juice bar offerings, prep coordination, and menu execution
Maintain product display standards, food safety compliance, and cleanliness
Ensure consistent implementation of operating procedures across all cafe areas
Schedule and coordinate healthy cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and activities
Work with chef consultants, dietitians, and program partners to support food health education advisement
Ensure food safety and preparation standards are followed during all teaching sessions
Implement and maintain a clear inventory tracking system
Monitor stock levels and coordinate timely and accurate ordering
Manage vendor relationships, product pricing, and cost controls
Reduce spoilage through rotation systems, waste tracking, and staff training
Connect with local farmers for purchase of their product
Supervise, train, and evaluate all staff, including interns and volunteers
Develop and maintain staff schedules that align with operational needs
Provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback
Create an accountability culture that supports collaboration, growth, and clear expectations
Maintain point-of-sale systems, including Clover, and troubleshoot as needed
Use Google Sheets and digital tools to manage staff schedules, product lists, and reporting
Assist with implementation of an inventory software platform, if selected
Ensure that systems are easy to use, consistently applied, and documented
Develop, update, and maintain SOPs for equipment use, cleaning schedules, and daily workflows
Train staff and interns on equipment handling, café and market station setup/closings, and customer service expectations
Ensure all procedures are well-documented, accessible, and followed consistently
Identify areas where new SOPs or adjustments are needed and take initiative to fill gaps
Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for shoppers and café customers
Collect and respond to customer feedback, adjusting offerings as needed
Work with the marketing team to implement promotional strategies
Attend internal meetings and contribute to broader organizational planning and reporting