Fresh Market Director - Sankofa Community Development

New Orleans, LA

Full Time

Mid Level

Fresh Start Market Director

Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Fresh Start Market – 5029 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117
Schedule: 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 Responsibilities

Retail Grocery Operations

Oversee daily operations of the retail grocery store
Ensure consistent implementation of operating procedures across all Fresh 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.

Cafe 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

Teaching Kitchen and Educational Programs

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

Inventory and Ordering

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 and producers for purchase of their product

Staff Leadership and Scheduling

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

Technology and Systems Management

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

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Equipment Use

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

Customer Experience and Strategy

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

Qualifications

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
Experience with nonprofit or mission-based groceries a plus
Knowledge of cafe and barista systems
Knowledge 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 equipment
Bend, reach, climb small step ladders, and perform repetitive motions
Work in environments that may vary in temperature, including refrigerated areas, kitchen spaces, and outdoor areas during events
Safely handle kitchen tools and equipment during café or teaching kitchen support
Perform tasks that involve continuous interaction with customers, staff, volunteers, and vendors
Tolerate moderate noise levels typical of a grocery and café setting
Use 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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Do you have at least three years of experience managing operations in a grocery store, food retail environment, café, or food service setting?*

Have you previously supervised staff, including responsibility for hiring, scheduling, training, or performance management?*

Do you have experience managing inventory systems, ordering, and vendor relationships?*

Are you able to work early mornings or later evenings as needed and able to work Monday through Saturday, including every Saturday?*

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