Market Manager

Job Title: Market Manager Hourly Pay Range: $17.00 - $21.00, depending on experience Organization Overview The Waco Downtown Farmers Market was established in 2011 as a year-round Saturday market in the heart of downtown Waco. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The mission of Waco Downtown Farmers Market is to operate welcoming and diverse markets that support local farmers and small businesses, increase access to healthy, affordable food, and enrich the Waco community through education and wellness activities. Summary/Objective The Market Manager serves as the primary operational leader for weekly Saturday market activities and supports ongoing administrative, vendor relations, and community engagement efforts throughout the week. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all aspects of market operations, ensuring a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for vendors, customers, volunteers, and community partners. The Market Manager works closely with the Executive Director and support staff to maintain operational excellence, ensure compliance with policies and regulations, and contribute to a high-quality and engaging market experience. This position requires a highly organized, adaptable, and community-oriented individual who can effectively manage logistics, people, and financial processes in a dynamic outdoor environment. Required Education, Licenses, Certifications, and Experience High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred Minimum of two (2) years of experience in event coordination, operations, nonprofit work, community programming, or a related field preferred Experience working with vendors, small businesses, or community stakeholders preferred Must be willing to obtain a Food Manager’s License (at employer expense) Valid Texas Drivers’ License Valid Personal Auto Liability Insurance Work authorization/security clearance required Must be eligible to work in the United States. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in fast-paced and unpredictable environments Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills with the ability to de-escalate challenging situations professionally Ability to build and maintain relationships with vendors, customers, volunteers, and community stakeholders Basic financial and administrative skills, including cash handling, reporting, and recordkeeping Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and digital tools such as Google Drive or similar platforms is preferred Knowledge of local agriculture, food systems, or growing seasons preferred. Experience working in diverse communities and commitment to inclusion and community engagement are preferred Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks as needed Major Duties and Responsibilities Market Operations (Saturday) Leads all Saturday market set-up, operations, and tear-down activities. Implements site plans, including vendor placement, traffic flow, and safety protocols. Supervises Assistant Market Manager, staff, volunteers, musicians, and contracted personnel. Serves as the primary on-site decision-maker and problem solver during market operations. Maintains a welcoming, inclusive, and professional market environment. Oversees food access program distribution and on-site merchandise sales. Ensures compliance with vendor rules, food safety standards, and applicable health regulations. Conducts market walkthroughs to monitor vendor products, labeling, and food handling practices. Addresses and documents incidents, including conflict resolution and operational issues. Vendor Relations and Compliance Serves as the primary point of contact for current and prospective vendors. Reviews vendor applications and supports vendor selection and acceptance processes. Communicates policies, expectations, and updates clearly and consistently to vendors. Supports on-site and on-farm inspections in coordination with the Executive Director. Financial and Reporting Responsibilities Manages weekly vendor payments, reimbursements, booth fees, and cash handling processes. Completes weekly transaction reports and reconciles market funds. Submits financial documentation and reports to the Executive Director in a timely manner. Maintains accurate records within shared systems and organizational platforms. Administrative and Communication Duties Develops and updates weekly site plans and vendor listings. Responds to vendor, customer, and community inquiries in a timely and professional manner. Prepares and distributes weekly vendor communications and customer newsletters. Attends staff meetings and provides updates on market operations. Participates in board, committee, and planning meetings as requested. Community Engagement Represents WDFM at community events, meetings, and outreach initiatives. Builds and maintains relationships with community partners and stakeholders. Supports special events, educational programming, and public engagement efforts. Collaborates with staff to enhance community visibility and market impact. Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the Waco Downtown Farmers Market. Other Duties as Assigned Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice, and the team member may be asked to perform other duties as assigned. Work Schedule This is a part-time, non-exempt position requiring a flexible schedule based on operational needs: The Market Manager is expected to work approximately 20 hours per week. Saturdays are a required workday and attendance at all scheduled markets is mandatory. Weekday hours will be scheduled to support administrative, planning, and communication duties. Early mornings, occasional evenings, and additional hours may be required for special events or operational needs. Physical and Mental Requirements and Abilities The role of a Market Manager often requires the ability to work effectively in a moderate to fast-paced environment, particularly during weekend farmers markets and related events. This environment typically involves frequent activities, interactions with vendors and customers, and tasks that must be completed within specified timeframes. Additionally, interruptions and unexpected events may occur, which can require flexibility and adaptability while maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the Market Manager to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. The employee frequently sits and/or stands for extended periods, especially during market hours. The employee may occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, lift, and/or move up to 35 pounds. The employee will constantly use their fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, and any necessary upper extremities to do so. Employees may occasionally have to twist, pull, or stretch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust the focus with or without using prescribed or over-the-counter optical glasses, contact lenses, or other visual aids. The Market Manager will regularly be exposed to various (fair to extreme) weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, and other outdoor elements, particularly during weekend market operations. Equal Opportunity, Respect, and Anti-Harassment Commitment The Waco Downtown Farmers Market values all individuals and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment, including hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and participation in organizational programs, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. The organization is equally committed to maintaining a professional work environment where all employees are treated with respect and dignity. Harassment or discrimination of any kind is strictly prohibited. Waco Downtown Farmers Market will not tolerate conduct that demeans, intimidates, or discriminates against any employee based on protected characteristics, including sex, race, color, national origin, age, or physical or mental disability. All employees share responsibility for upholding these standards and contributing to a workplace culture grounded in respect, fairness, and inclusion. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wacohispanicchamber