Fresh Market Director

Fresh Start Market DirectorJob Type: Full-TimeLocation: Fresh Start Market – 5029 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117Schedule: Monday–Saturday; must be available to work Saturdays. One weekday off per week will be scheduled as a regular day off.Benefits: Health insurance,  paid time off, and employee discounts
 About the Organization

Sankofa Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization located in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Our mission is to build a healthier community for generations through urban revitalization, food access, health and wellness, and environmental education. Our projects and programs are designed to support economic opportunity, wellness, and resilience across our neighborhoods.

Fresh Start Market is a community green grocery launched by Sankofa CDC to address food access needs in the Lower Ninth Ward and surrounding areas. The grocery includes a grocery retail section with fresh produce, staple items,  and value added products; a small café with grab and go offerings;, and a teaching kitchen with community cooking classes.. Our goal is to create a sustainable, mission-aligned retail and programmatic space that brings healthy, affordable food and wellness resources directly to the community.

About the Position

The Fresh Start Market Director is responsible for the full scope of operations and programming — overseeing the green grocery 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 Fresh Start 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 Fresh Market. The Director will regularly assist with floor operations and must be comfortable performing physical tasks associated with a grocery and café environment.

Duties and ResponsibilitiesRetail Grocery OperationsOversee daily operations of the retail grocery store Ensure consistent implementation of operating procedures across all Fresh Market areasMaintain product display standards, food safety compliance, and cleanlinessAssist with stocking, organizing backroom storage, and rotating inventory as needed to support daily operations.Cafe  OperationsManage café and juice bar offerings, prep coordination, and menu executionMaintain product display standards, food safety compliance, and cleanlinessEnsure consistent implementation of operating procedures across all cafe areas

Teaching Kitchen and Educational Programs

Schedule and coordinate healthy cooking classes,  nutrition workshops, and activitiesWork with chef consultants, dietitians, and program partners to support food health education advisementEnsure food safety and preparation standards are followed during all teaching sessionsInventory and OrderingImplement and maintain a clear inventory tracking systemMonitor stock levels and coordinate timely and accurate orderingManage vendor relationships, product pricing, and cost controlsReduce spoilage through rotation systems, waste tracking, and staff trainingConnect with local farmers and producers for purchase of their productStaff Leadership and SchedulingSupervise, train, and evaluate all staff, including interns and volunteersDevelop and maintain staff schedules that align with operational needsProvide ongoing coaching and performance feedbackCreate an accountability culture that supports collaboration, growth, and clear expectationsTechnology and Systems ManagementMaintain point-of-sale systems, including Clover, and troubleshoot as neededUse Google Sheets and digital tools to manage staff schedules, product lists, and reportingAssist with implementation of an inventory software platform, if selectedEnsure that systems are easy to use, consistently applied, and documentedStandard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Equipment UseDevelop, update, and maintain SOPs for equipment use, cleaning schedules, and daily workflowsTrain staff and interns on equipment handling, café and market station setup/closings, and customer service expectationsEnsure all procedures are well-documented, accessible, and followed consistentlyIdentify areas where new SOPs or adjustments are needed and take initiative to fill gapsCustomer Experience and StrategyCreate a welcoming and inclusive environment for shoppers and café customersCollect and respond to customer feedback, adjusting offerings as neededWork with the marketing team to implement promotional strategiesAttend internal meetings and contribute to broader organizational planning and reportingQualifications3+ years of experience in food retail, grocery, café, or food service management preferredProven ability to manage inventory systems, vendor orders, and cost controlsPrior supervisory experience including hiring, scheduling, training, and coachingKnowledge of food safety and ServSafe best practices (ServSafe certification preferred)Familiarity with Clover POS or similar retail systemsExperience writing or implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skillsAbility to work independently while collaborating with a broader teamExperience with nonprofit or mission-based groceries a plusKnowledge of cafe and barista systemsKnowledge of basic budget and accounting systems

Work Environment and Physical Requirements
This role involves regular physical activity required to operate a community grocery, café, and teaching kitchen environment. Employees must be able to:

Stand and walk for extended periods of time (up to 8 hours during a shift)Lift, carry, push, or pull items up to 40 pounds, such as boxes of produce, cases of product, and equipmentBend, reach, climb small step ladders, and perform repetitive motionsWork in environments that may vary in temperature, including refrigerated areas, kitchen spaces, and outdoor areas during eventsSafely handle kitchen tools and equipment during café or teaching kitchen supportPerform tasks that involve continuous interaction with customers, staff, volunteers, and vendorsTolerate moderate noise levels typical of a grocery and café settingUse a computer, POS system, and other digital tools for extended periods

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the businesses we support.

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