Grocery Store Manager - Sankofa Community Development

Grocery Store Manager

• Job Type: Full-Time
• Pay: $55,000 – $65,000/year
• 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. The Fresh Start Market is a non-profit 1,000 sq ft community green grocery store that includes fresh produce retail, a café, and a teaching kitchen.

About The Position

We are seeking a candidate who is highly organized and solutions-oriented to oversee the full scope of the Fresh Start Market operations- including the green grocery, cafe, and teaching kitchen. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with a strong background in grocery retail and management who understands how to implement and maintain systems, coach and support a team, and take ownership of challenges. The Grocery Store Manager will also work integrally with the team on floor operations and must be comfortable performing physical tasks associated with a grocery and café environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Green Grocery Operations

• 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.
  
  

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 with Education Programs Manager
• Coordinate activities to support healthy food education
  
  

Inventory and Ordering

• Maintain a clear inventory tracking system, monitor stock levels and coordinate ordering
• Manage vendor relationships, pricing, and cost controls
• Manage spoilage with waste tracking systems
• Connect with local farmers and food producers for product purchasing
  
  

Staff Leadership and Scheduling

• Supervise and train staff with coaching and performance feedback to support collaboration and growth
• Develop and maintain staff schedules in alignment with operational needs
  
  

Technology and Systems Management

• Maintain point-of-sale systems and troubleshoot as needed
• Use digital tools to manage staff schedules, product lists, and reporting
  
  

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Equipment Use

• Follow SOPs for equipment use, cleaning schedules, and daily workflows
• Train staff and interns on equipment handling, 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 customers
• Collect and respond to customer feedback, adjusting offerings as needed
• Work with team to implement promotional strategies
• Attend internal meetings and contribute to broader organizational planning and reporting
  
  

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in grocery store 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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