We're Hiring!
Market Manager
January 5, 2026
The Lively NeighborFood Market is seeking a full-time Market Manager who is passionate about promoting local agriculture and healthy communities and has strong business skills to advance our Market, located six miles east of Empire, MI, in beautiful Leelanau County, into a sustainable, year-round, everyday farmers market.
Market Manager Job Summary
The Market Manager is a career-level position primarily responsible for all elements of market operations and creating a welcoming and viable food hub for our community.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of the farm market, ensuring high-quality customer service,
- Care for the quality, storage, and presentation of farm-fresh products;
- Manage vendor relationships and coordinate the selection of local farm products for sale;
- Manage ordering of wholesale food and supplies;
- Ensure food safety and quality standards are met;
- Manage Market staff, which is currently three clerks, including scheduling and human resource issues;
- Collaborate with owners and bookkeeping to manage cash flow and budgeting;
- Develop and implement marketing strategies to drive market traffic and community engagement.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Proven experience in retail management, preferably in a food or agricultural setting.
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills to manage various aspects of market operations – including fiscal management skills to oversee farm and vendor payouts, payroll, and general cash flow.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with vendors and customers.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices in food storage and handling.
- Passion for local food systems and community engagement, with a commitment to sustainability. A connection to our community would be especially helpful.
Scope & Limits of Authority
The Market Manager reports directly to the owners, Jim and Kelly Lively, and is accountable for all market-related operations. The Market Manager will collaborate closely with the Kitchen Manager/Chef, Campground Manager, and Event Manager (future).
Schedule
The Market is open year-round, 7 days/ week, closing at 7 pm every day except Sunday. The Manager is responsible for setting a shift schedule and has the flexibility to manage their own schedule.
Compensation
$24 – $28/ hour = $50,000 – $58,000/ year, depending on experience
2 weeks’ vacation paid
Employee discount on food
Hiring Process
Applicants should provide a resume and cover letter explaining their interest in the position, describing their relevant background, and how they would approach this position. Three references are required upon request. Successful applicants will have at least two interviews.
We plan to fill this position by April, 2026, and will conduct interviews throughout the winter. Applications will be accepted through March 1, although the position could close sooner if the perfect candidate is found.
Submit Your Resume and Cover Letter
About Lively NeighborFood Market
Find out more about the market and this position at https://livelyneighborfood.com/careers/.
The Lively NeighborFood Market Manifesto
Here at the Lively NeighborFood Market, we believe in more than just selling food; we are about creating a vibrant community space where farmers and families come together to celebrate the rich tapestry of local agriculture. Located in the heart of Southwest Leelanau County, Michigan, and established in 2024, our mission is to revolutionize how our community interacts with the food they eat, the people who grow it, and the land it comes from.
Why Work at Lively NeighborFood Market?
- Be at the Center of Community Connection: Working with us means you’re not just an employee but an integral part of a dynamic community hub where every day brings new opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life. Forge friendships, share stories, and be part of the vibrant exchange of cultures and ideas at our market.
- Champion Local Farmers and Producers: Take pride in knowing that every item you handle comes from the fertile grounds of local farms. Our market helps keep the local food economy thriving by providing a platform for farmers to connect directly with the community, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their hard work and dedication.
- Promote Health and Sustainability: Join us in our journey to make Southwest Leelanau County a beacon of health and environmental stewardship. Our commitment to being an all-electric, solar-powered facility demonstrates our dedication to sustainability. By supporting our market, you contribute to a healthier planet and community.
- Experience the Joy of Growth: Just like the crops in the fields, every team member at Lively NeighborFood Market has the opportunity to grow. Whether interacting with customers, setting up displays, or coordinating events, you’ll find endless opportunities to learn and expand your horizons.
- Be Part of Our Family: We’re Jim and Kelly Lively, long-time residents and local food and farming advocates. When you join our team, you’re not just an employee but part of our family. We’re proud to involve our daughters in this venture and excited to welcome you into our growing community.
Embark on a Meaningful Career: Your work at the Lively NeighborFood Market is impactful. Every task you undertake contributes to building a sustainable, health-focused, and inclusive community. From the bustling market aisles to the quiet moments watching the sunset over the fields, your days will be filled with purpose and connection.
Join Us at the Lively NeighborFood Market! Stop by our location on M-72, just a short drive from Empire, and see why we are more than just a market—we’re a movement. Together, we’re growing connections, nurturing health, and fostering sustainability.
Watch Us Grow—Be Part of Something Big!