Summary

Founded in 1995 as a non-profit society, Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM) has grown to become one of Canadas leading farmers market organizations with nine weekly markets, 669,000 visitors per year, and annual vendor sales over $15.8 million. We operate vibrant and welcoming markets that feed people, build community and support small farms and producers in Vancouver, BC on the unceded territories of the xmkwym (Musqueam), Skwxw7mesh (Squamish), and Sllwta/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) people.

VFM is looking for a creative and enthusiastic Market Manager who believes markets are a dynamic tool for connecting people to a resilient food network that values people and the land. This person is detail-oriented, committed to vendor and customer service, able to adapt quickly when things do not go as planned, and has both administrative and people skills to bring to the role.

The role of the market manager is to ensure their assigned markets have the resources and support needed to operate successfully. This includes support in the following areas:

• Management of budget and distribution of resources among assigned markets
• Maintenance of existing relationships and building of new relationships with market community
• Communication with Director of Operations to ensure ongoing planning and smooth operations
• Vendor scheduling, booth assignment and collection of fees
• Market set up, tear down and operations
• On-site communication with staff, vendors, customers, and neighbours

Currently, in all cases, full time Market Managers are also have additional administrative projects they are responsible for which include:

• Vendor outreach & support
• Staff hiring, onboarding and support
• Special projects as needed
  

Reports to:

Director of Operations

Direct Reports:

Market Crew in assigned markets

Job Classification:

Full Time,Permanent (35 hours a week)

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including RRSP matching, medical, dental and vision

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

HR Management

• Hiring, orientation, training and supervision of market crew
• Scheduling and delegating responsibilities to market crew
• Communication and preparation of market crew via email & meetings
• Identifying and training of new potential market managers from seasonal staff
• Act as a mentor to other part time Market Managers
• Bi-weekly timesheet approvals
• Leading monthly safety meetings at market

Resource Management

• Maintain record of equipment and merchandise inventory
• Ensure equipment is being maintained, and perform basic equipment maintenance based on maintenance schedule
• Communicate needs for new equipment, significant repairs to Director of Operations/Operations Assistant

Participant Coordination

• Scheduling and retention of Vendors, initially & ongoing throughout the year
• Working with the Vendor Outreach and Support Specialist to cultivate pool of vendors appropriate for market locations
• Support orientation of new vendors
• Planning market day layout of vendors, community tables and buskers
• Collection of vendor fees and ensuring vendor policies are followed
• Processing vendor cancellations
• Office Point of contact for participants interested in assigned markets

Market Operations Support and Communication

• Market set up and tear down
• Managing gift certificates, coupons, membership and merchandise sales
• Weekly market cashout
• On-site communication with staff, vendors customers, and neighbours
• Updating sales and inventory counts, communicate needs for supplies to Director of Operations/Operations Assistant
• Troubleshoot market site issues with Director of Operations and help find solutions
• Ensure markets are meeting VFM standards for safety, aesthetic appeal and permitted use
• Ensure market special programs (ie. Sponsor activations, coupon program, master gardeners, donation station, etc.) are properly accounted for with space and equipment
• Communicating rule violations, follow up paperwork
• Communicate changes in market operations procedures to Director of Operations

Events and Marketing

• Plan for special events, manage budget and resources
• Contribute to monthly vendor bulletin and weekly newsletter as appropriate
• Contribute to annual advertising and promotions plan
• Ensuring posters and other marketing material are posted for upcoming events
• Updating social media
• Communicate events and new market features to staff at meetings
• Contribute to website and social media content pertaining to market events and happenings

Data Entry, Analysis, Meetings and Reporting

• Complete weekly market report
• Ensure Market Manager sales reports are up to date
• Provide monthly updates at staff meetings
• Participate in bi-weekly Operations Management Meetings & Monthly Manager meetings
• Report out monthly, quarterly, annually to Operations Manager or Director of Operations, Board as needed
• Plan and ensure annual surveys take place at your market locations

Skills/Attributes Required

• Ability to manage people and budgets
• Ability to forecast and set goals
• Ability to organize and plan for on site event logistics
• Ability to problem solve, resolve conflict, maintain composure, and mediate issues as they arise.
• Ability to hire, train and delegate to staff
• Ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically with a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to manage fund of up to $15 000
• Ability to enforce market policies and contribute to changes to policies via annual review
• Knowledge of event and food safety, either through the completion of Market Safe or Food Safe or both.
• Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn about BC agriculture, farmers markets, local food systems, and Vancouver communities.
• Ability to work and maintain positive attitude in an outdoor environment in all weather conditions
• Ability to work flexible work hours, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays
• Physically able to lift 50 pounds safely.

Education and Experience

Typically the above skills and attributes can be acquired through the following education and experience (though other education and experience backgrounds will be considered if they meet the above skill requirements):

• Completion of High School, with a preference for completion of a college or university program ideally with courses in any of the following: event planning, administration, management, marketing, communications, human resources or community engagement
• Food Safe Level 1 and Basic First Aid either currently have or will be able to easily obtain prior to commencing employment
• Experience managing teams of 5-10 people in a service/retail/operations setting
• Experience coordinating events including planning logistics, delegating tasks and communicating with stakeholders
• Experience with cash management of funds of up to $15 000
• Prior farmers market management experience considered strongly
  
• Strong computer skills, including Google Workspace, Microsoft and Wordpress
  
• Valid BC Drivers License with clean driving record. Access to a reliable car an asset.

Please submit your resume and cover letter no later than Friday, April 25, 2025.

VFM values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and Indigenous Peoples to apply.

VFM is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by municipal, provincial or federal laws.