Grocery Store Manager - Sankofa Community Development

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

• 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
• Aid with stocking, organizing backroom storage, and rotating inventory as needed to support daily 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
• Schedule and coordinate healthy cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and activities with Education Programs Manager
• Cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and activities with Education Programs Manager
• Coordinate activities to support healthy food education
• 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
• Supervise and train staff with coaching and performance feedback to support collaboration and growth
• Develop and maintain staff schedules in alignment with operational needs
• Maintain point-of-sale systems and troubleshoot as needed
• Use digital tools to manage staff schedules, product lists, and reporting
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts

Pay

$55,000 – $65,000/year

Schedule

Monday–Saturday; must be available to work Saturdays. One weekday off per week will be scheduled as a regular day off.