Lively NeighborFood Market is Hiring. Here, a young woman starts her first day of work in Leelanau County

We're Hiring!

NeighborFood Kitchen Manager

Lively NeighborFood Kitchen

Lively NeighborFood Market is looking to hire a kitchen manager who is passionate about local food, cooking seasonally, and adding prepared takeout foods, especially breakfast and lunch, to our Market. This person will also work with farmers to manage the food coming into the kitchen and the adjacent Market, as well as store and process the seasonal harvest for winter use.

Mel and Fell aren’t going anywhere. They’ll still be in our kitchen running the amazing business they’ve run for years, preparing meals to go—and delivered—and catering events. Instead, we’ll be building a more consistent menu of local foods out of our kitchen, with Mel and Fell continuing to supplement with their delicious fare.

Interested candidates can apply by email to [email protected] with a resume and a cover letter explaining their interest in this position.

Kitchen Position Description

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, 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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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 with the community directly, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their hard work and dedication.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!