Market Manager

Description

AGENCY OVERVIEW

The Action Center has been a cornerstone anti-poverty organization in Jefferson County and West Metro Denver since 1968, assisting thousands annually. By providing immediate assistance and long-term solutions, it offers food stability, financial support, and resource navigation, all rooted in dignity and equity.

Beyond direct services, the Action Center is a recognized leader in building collaborative solutions that address the complex challenges facing our community. In 2025, the Action Center acquired a closed Jeffco School in Lakewood to consolidate its programs into Daylight Collective, which will open in early 2027. This new site will unite nonprofits, government, and business partners to improve access to resources, expand food availability, support economic mobility, and tackle the root causes of poverty through collaboration

JOB SUMMARY

The Action Center seeks a Market Manager to oversee the daily operations of its Food Pantry and Clothing Market programs. In partnership with the Director, the manager aligns Market operations with the agency’s mission and vision and creates a welcoming, dignified, and positive experience for community members. 

The Market Manager supervises, trains, and supports staff and volunteers; coordinates schedules, inventory, and community member flow; and ensures efficient, effective service. The role strengthens operational processes, leads continuous improvement, and fosters a collaborative, mission-driven team that delivers essential food, clothing, and personal care items to the community.

This is an exciting time to join the Action Center team! 

Requirements

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 

Market Design, Implementation & Management 

• Supports planning and implementation of the no-cost retail store at The Action Center’s new Daylight Collective location, including developing operational policies, procedures, and systems. 
• Fosters a welcoming, dignified, and inclusive experience for community members by ensuring Market services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, clearly communicated, and accessible.  
• Manages daily operations, ensuring the completion of store opening and end-of-day recovery procedures; food, clothing, and personal care items facing and stocking results in an organized, retail-inspired environment.  
• Gathers and responds to community feedback and concerns through effective oversight and regular Market inspections; implementing program improvements and addressing grievances in accordance with Action Center policies and USDA/TEFAP requirements. 
• In partnership with the Product Operations Manager, determines the selection of fresh, refrigerated, dry and non-food items available on market shelves based on participant needs, inventory availability, and nutritional priorities.   
• Provides direct customer service and operational support on the Market floor as needed. 

Market Staff & Volunteer Supervision 

• Hires, trains, mentors, and supervises Market staff and volunteers, establishing clear expectations for operational procedures, trauma-informed practices, and participant engagement. 
• Oversees staffing, scheduling and workflow of staff and volunteers working on the retail-inspired sales floor to ensure coverage for efficient and effective service delivery. 
• Maintains a team culture built on collaboration, accountability, learning, and respect.   
• Conduct regular coaching, feedback, and performance conversations with team members. 

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement 

• Work collaboratively with staff, leadership, and partners to identify opportunities and solve challenges during the transition and provide ongoing improvement of the Market and the program participants' experience.   
• Supports the Director in cultivating and sustaining relationships with vendors, program partners, and close community collaborators to secure the supply chain and build trust.   
• Assists the Director in the development, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition-focused initiatives that promote food access, community health, and nutritional well-being. 
• Monitors program performance, operational data, and participant trends to identify opportunities for improvement, address challenges, and enhance service outcomes. 
• Participates in organizational planning, meetings, and special events as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

Required Qualifications  

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (reading, writing, and speaking).  
• 2+ years of experience supervising, coaching, or leading staff and/or volunteers.  
• Experience creating schedules, assigning responsibilities, and maintaining adequate coverage.  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to quickly learn new systems and platforms. 
• Commitment to the Action Center’s mission, vision, and values. 

Preferred Qualifications  

• High school diploma required; bachelor's degree preferred. 
• Knowledge of food handling practices; food safety and personal hygiene standards.  
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, hunger relief programs, or nonprofit programs. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS / SCHEDULE 

Ability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds to a height of four feet; use of hands (single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling); repeated bending, twisting, squatting and reaching throughout the workday; and the ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric/manual pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery. Willingness to obtain certification in forklift operation and box truck driving is highly desired but not required. 

 WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an office, warehouse, retail grocery, and commercial refrigeration unit setting in an 8-hour workday; standing/walking for 6-8 hours. This position generally follows regular business hours and may require occasional evening and weekend work.?This is not a remote position. 

BENEFITS 

The Action Center offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible full-time employees, including: 

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Employer match of up to 2%. 
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with The Action Center paying 100% of employee-only premiums for the base plan 
• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage with 100% of employee-only premiums for base plans paid by The Action Center. 
• Paid Vacation: Up to 15 days annually. 
• Paid Sick Leave: Up to 12 days annually. 
• Paid Holidays: 12 days annually. 

The Action Center's policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on actual or perceived race, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy), marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. The Action Center also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. 

Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification, as diverse backgrounds are valued, and we are committed to supporting the professional growth of passionate individuals.