Market Manager

Position Overview  

The Market Manager leads the development, growth, and long-term success of Central Texas Food Bank’s (CTFB) Fresh Harvest Market in Waco. The Fresh Harvest Market is an onsite food pantry designed to resemble a small grocery store, offering a dignified and welcoming shopping experience for neighbors. This role provides day-to-day leadership of the Market, ensuring operations are efficient, effective, and centered on neighbor needs. The Market Manager oversees onboarding, training, and supervision of support staff and volunteers to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience in program and people management, along with hands-on operational leadership within hunger-relief or community-based initiatives. 

Relationships  

Building and maintaining collaborative and meaningful relationships is a core component of this position.  Reporting to the Director of Health + Wellness this position is within Neighbor Programs + Services Department but must also nurture strong connections with colleagues on various teams, including Empowerment Programs, Network Services, Logistics, Community Nutrition, and Internal Distribution teams to ensure effective programming and efficient flow of food. Proven and demonstrated professionalism and effective communication skills to achieve goals are necessary for this role.  

Your Qualifications  

Bilingual in English and Spanish required. 

Registered Dietitian preferred; candidates with other relevant health promotion certifications or licensures (e.g., CHES, CHW) are also encouraged to apply. 

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Social Work, Public Health or related field required. 

3+ years of program management experience. 

2+ years of nutrition experience required.  

3+ years of leadership experience, including team member supervision and management. 

Subject matter expertise in community nutrition, food pantry operations, food access systems, resource navigation and/or social determinants of health.  

Experience successfully administering multi-faceted client-based programs within budget and on-time. 

Experience developing innovative client-focused strategies and leading successful execution, in a dynamic, highly collaborative environment. 

Experience with project management, program design, and program evaluation preferred. 

Ability to communicate with influence and motivate team members, volunteers, and other stakeholders to ensure program success. 

Strong customer service orientation – both organizational and interpersonal. Ability to develop and maintain collaborative and professional relationships. 

Exemplary interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills. 

Ability to manage conflict and support clients that may need extra help or attention.  

Knowledge of Central Texas and its network of services for low-income families preferred. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and the ability to quickly learn and navigate client intake software and other database systems.    

Strong moral compass with commitment to improving the lives of those we serve in a dignified environment.  

Belief in CTFB’s mission, vision, values, and culture. 

Willingness and desire to work with people from diverse ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds.   

Your Responsibilities  

Program Oversight 

Provide day-to-day oversight of the Waco Fresh Harvest Market, ensuring operations are neighbor-centered, efficient, and aligned with CTFB standards for safety, nutrition, dignity, and compliance. 

Oversee program evaluation by monitoring key performance indicators and analyzing data, and work with the director to implement strategies to improve reach and impact. 

Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, HIPAA, and CTFB confidentiality standards. 

Client Experience and Nutrition Education 

Foster a welcoming, trauma-informed environment that promotes dignity and respect for all clients. 

Design and maintain a pantry layout that makes the healthy choice the easy choice through effective signage, displays, recipes, and product placement. 

Provide one-on-one support to promote healthy eating, chronic disease management, self-sufficiency, and cooking skills. 

Assist clients during visits, including carrying bags, retrieving items, highlighting nutritious options, and offering referrals as needed. 

Team Leadership and Volunteer Engagement 

Build and sustain a high-performance, accountable team culture grounded in collaboration, continuous learning, and goal achievement. 

Set aligned performance goals, provide regular coaching and feedback, and support professional development of team members. 

Partner with the Volunteer Team to onboard, engage, and retain volunteers while ensuring a positive and meaningful experience. 

Collaborate with Market staff and volunteers to achieve program goals and drive continuous improvement. 

Contribute to a positive, mission-driven organizational culture by demonstrating professionalism, inclusivity, and a collaborative spirit.   

Operations and Administration 

Support daily Market operations alongside coordinators and volunteers, including filling in during periods of limited staff capacity. 

Maintain inventory by ordering food, monitoring stock levels, and ensuring shelves are organized and well-stocked. 

Utilize client intake software to verify eligibility, document services, and ensure accurate data entry. 

Ensure safe handling of food and materials, including lifting and transporting up to 50 lbs as needed. 

Support emergency response efforts as needed, including stepping into alternative roles or responsibilities during times of heightened demand or organizational need.  

Perform other duties as assigned, including utilizing language skills you possess, to support the success of the Central Texas Food Bank’s mission. 

Working Conditions 

Hours of Operation: This position is expected to work generally Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., but MAY follow a rotating schedule to support evening shifts. Ability to be flexible with working hours to meet the needs of the program is critical 

Environment: This position works in a typical office setting. There may be extended periods of sitting, standing and/or bending; listening, talking and/or visual concentration; writing and/or computer use. Occasional work will occur in the warehouse or outside in inclement weather.  The position also requires working independently and with others on a team.  

Travel: CTFB serves 21 counties in central Texas and often requires same-day travel between counties, using a personal vehicle, CTFB passenger fleet and possibly occasional out of town travel for meetings, special events or meeting for some positions.