St Petersburg Saturday Morning Market

Market Manager Job Description 

 June 22, 2021

Saturday Morning Market is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Founded in 2002, St Petersburg Saturday Morning Market (SPSMM) is the heart of St Petersburg. It has grown to have 170 vendors – farmers, crafters, ready-to-eat foods, and a produce reseller. Included in those invited to participate at Market on a very limited basis are not-for-profit vendors - to educate the community for no charge, and select businesses that are not eligible to be vendors but can promote their business for a $500 donation to support Market programs.  

SPSMM operates year-round with two venues; from October to May, the Market is in a waterfront stadium parking lot. This location has storage and indoor bathrooms.  The summer location is in a shady park only blocks from the regular site in downtown St Petersburg. The 170 vendors are invited as either full-time or part-time. The maximum number of spaces is 140 for the normal market.

Depending on the season, market attendance is between 8,000-12,000 customers who come from all over the mid-Florida region. One of our indicators of success is that for the holidays, our customers bring their out-of-town family and friends. In addition, we have many return visitors from across the country.

The Market is a place of respect and community; our policies of "no politics" and "no religion" were established long ago to maintain respect for all people and religions. Additionally, SPSMM has a profound commitment to family farmers. For many years, Florida has been an agri-business state (strawberry, orange, and tomato) yet has provided little or no support for small farmers.

People shopping at the Market can count on good, clean food from actual farmers. We encourage and support having a broad array of gourmet ready-to-eat and take-home food representing many ethnic backgrounds. Music and entertainment create an ambiance that encourages our shoppers to stay and connect with friends. There is a sense of surprise and delight on each Market Saturday as patrons see what is new, what is in season, and who shows up for the day!

The Market is a significant contributor to the quality of life and the economy of St Petersburg. It is not only a vibrant and vital social event; it is the definitive community experience in St Petersburg. Please review our website at https://saturdaymorningmarket.com/market-overview/ for more detailed information.

Saturday Morning Market was incorporated and designated a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2004. We have received over $500,000 in grants to promote food justice and initiate "A Safe Waste Initiative at Market" for our community and environment.

Title: Market Manager

Starting Salary: $48,000-$65,000 (Negotiable based upon qualifications)

Benefits: Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 75% of health insurance paid, including dental and vision care

Required Qualification: The Market Manager's most significant qualification is an aptitude to see the big picture involved in managing the St Petersburg Saturday Morning Market. Education does not ensure this; therefore, we have no basic educational requirements for the position. Seeing the big picture and managing the myriad details to maintain that picture is an inherent quality the Market Manager must show through actions and attitudes.

• Experience:
  • Required:
    • At least three years of management experience, including personnel management, financial & budget responsibility, operations management,
    • Experience working with multiple stakeholders and diverse communities, as well as experience working with the public
    • Experience in retail or other customer service activities
  • Preferred:
    • Highly preferred that the candidate has experience working in some capacity (manager, vendor, or volunteer) within a community market
  • Technical Skills: Proficient typing skills, ability to use Microsoft Office, Constant Contact or equivalent, ability to learn new software for vendor management, ability to make regular updates to the website
  • Additional Qualifications: Describe unique experiences important to your management style

Required Certifications and Licenses: the candidate must possess a valid driver's license, and within the introductory period, they must become certified in CPR and Food Safety

Background and Scope of Responsibility:

The Market Manager position is broad and demanding. The Market Manager must understand and effectively execute the long-term goals and strategies to move forward as established by the Board. Fundamentally, they plan the weekly event and provide hands-on oversight on Saturdays.  Additionally, they:

• Acts as the primary ongoing 'face' of the Market to our vendor community as well as the City of St Petersburg and our local community partners
• Plans and ensure that critical weekly logistical aspects of the Market are consistently and accurately executed 
• Enforces the established standards that make the Saturday Morning Market work together to create a happy, collaborative, and creative community and assures customers of the quality of products & food for sale

Additional Logistical and Physical Requirements:

The Market Manager must be willing and able to help the staff set up and break down the Market, which involves lifting and moving tables, tents, and various other types of equipment. Physical requirements include:

• Available to work with few exceptions every Friday to ensure proper preparation as well as all Saturday operations during the Market hours as well as set up and take down (other days are flexible)
• Able to lift 40 pounds
• Able to squat, reach and stand for long periods of time
• Available to work in all weather conditions, including high heat, wind, and rain

 Key Duties

Planning & Communications:

• Enforce standards set by the Board
• Support the vendors as a community
• Attract appropriate customers for the products being sold
• Collaborate with the Board to drive the strategic direction of the Market
• Participate in and execute the Board's plans for overall market sustainability
• Maintain strong communications with all individual and organizational stakeholders

Market Operations Management:

• Production Management
  • On Saturdays, guides the Operations Supervisor/ team in setting up and breaking down the Market
  • Vendor Relations
  • • Advises the Board about proper vendor recruitment, selection, diversity, retention, and annual renewal
    • Inspects farms and production methods after a vendor is chosen
    • Maintains vendors' understanding of the critical requirements 
    • Manages the cyclical vendor scheduling process
    • Maps the vendor booth assignments weekly
    • Inspects all booths regularly to ensure the integrity of products, food safety, and proper labeling
    • Oversees vendor compliance with all operational requirements (as outlined in the Vendor Operations Handbook).
    • Handles vendor infractions per the market infraction policy, including conflict management between vendors
    • Decides about weekly ad hoc invitation of additional vendors, based on space availability
    • Handles vendor inquiries and issues as needed
    • Ensures timely collection of vendor fees
    • Provides resources for vendors about the operation of the Market

Subcontractor accountability

• Any subcontractor performing duties for Saturday Morning Market will report to and be under the direction of the Market Manager

Market Promotion

The Market Manager is responsible for:

• Attracting customers to the Market
• Measuring the success of the Market and communicating it to the larger community
• Watching for methods to preserve and perpetuate the culture and goodwill that the Saturday Market has established:
  • Ensure that social media, website, and other promotional systems are maintained
  • Maintain the ambiance of diversity, culture, utility, and community
  • Finds and books the bands (per established guidance) to appeal to a broad audience

Develop and maintain effective administrative systems that ensure market compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations, including but not limited to:

• Maintaining operational guidebooks, policies, and procedures
• Financial Planning and Management Accountability
  • Oversee bookkeeping, accounting, budgeting, and grant management
  • Ensure that vendors have:
    • Insurance that names the Market as an additional insured party
    • Proof of their regulatory compliance (FDACS, Professional Regulatory, etc.)
  • Employee and volunteer management
    • Scheduling employees and ensuring that performance expectations are met
    • Maintaining clear communication within the team

Other duties as assigned and supported, from time to time, by the Executive Board
 

Thank you for your consideration. This is a job to be proud of and to love.