Thunder Bay Country Market – Manager- Job Description
Summary of Position
The Manager plays an integral role and is responsible for the successful management of the Thunder Bay Country Market according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors. The full-time position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the market, working with market vendors and other stakeholders, both internal and external to the market.
The Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Thunder Bay Country Market, as directed by the Board of Directors
The Manager’s employment is governed by the policies of the Thunder Bay Country Market, which may be created or amended periodically.
The Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Country Market oversees the Manager’s duties, which can be changed at any time, including but not exclusive to the elements outlined below.
Responsibilities:
1. Board-Management Relations
1.1. Attend all board meetings in a non-voting capacity, report on monthly Manager activities;
1.2. Work with the Board Secretary to finalize the draft meeting minutes for approval.
1.3. Prepare and distribute all meeting documents to conduct the usual business of the meetings;
1.4. Develop a weekly reporting process so the Board is always aware of issues in the market as well as projects being worked on and progress on these projects;
1.5. Work with and help develop the Board Committees to develop and implement a strategic plan and annual work plans. i.e., major site plan changes, emergency preparedness plans, health and safety managements, marketing plans;
1.6. Work with the Board on development of policies;
1.7. Work with the Board on the yearly AGM event, and General Meetings, reporting needs and logistics.
2. Market Rules
2.1. Work with the Board and vendors to develop and maintain the TBCM By-laws, procedures and rules to ensure they are reviewed and updated annually;
2.2. Ensure all vendors, both new and returning are given a copy of the rules for review;
2.3. On a day-to-day basis, interpret the market rules for vendors and others in a consistent and fair manner. In some cases, this will result in disputes which need to be escalated through a dispute resolution process designed by the Board.
3. Regulatory Compliance
3.1. Have a working knowledge of legislation and associated regulations, both provincial and federal, which impact the vendors in the market;
3.2. Ensure vendors and the market operations follow all local by-laws and provincial and federal legislation;
3.3. Work closely with the local public health inspector and other agency inspectors to ensure regulatory issues are addressed within the market and by the vendors;
3.4. Responsible for prohibiting vendors from selling their products until they follow all applicable legislation;
3.5. Ensure all food vendors have completed all food and food handling courses;
3.6. Ensure all food vendors are following the local health unit ‘grading system’
4. Finances & Records
4.1. The Manager shall ensure that the Board of Directors is kept informed of all financial information relating to the Thunder Bay Country Market;
4.2. Work with the Board to develop and implement a vendor fee levels/schedule/collection process and monthly payment amounts;
4.3. Maintain accurate and complete records on the market and vendors throughout the year;
4.4. Ensure transparent financial operations by maintaining consistent communication with the Bookkeeper. This includes reviewing all bills and invoices and ensuring their alignment with budgetary guidelines established by the Board.
4.5. Collaborate with the Bookkeeper to manage, track, and report monthly operational expenses.
4.6. Work with the Board Treasurer to create a draft yearly budget for Board approval and work within those guidelines.
4.7. Responsible for government updates (i.e. CRA, Corporation Updates etc.)
5. Building Maintenance
5.1. The Manager is responsible for janitorial/housekeeping tasks as necessary and diagnosing maintenance problems and determine liabilities;
5.2. Maintain a knowledge of fire and safety regulations and compliance procedures;
5.3. Analyze and negotiate service bids;
5.4. Plan and schedule deferred and or remedial current maintenance;
5.5. Handle emergency repairs;
5.6. Work with the Board and landlords on a yearly preventative maintenance program;
5.7. Maintain a positive relationship with the Markets’ Landlords and monitor the lease agreement
6. Vendor Recruitment, Selection and Retention
6.1. Work with the Board and/or Vending Committee to determine the optimal market mix, following the vendor selection process when approving vendors for the market;
6.2. Actively recruit vendors to meet the optimal market mix;
6.3. Ensure all new and returning vendors complete/ update an application process;
6.4. Manage the annual Vending Agreement and process for renewing Vending Agreements, as well as onboarding of new Vendors under the Vending Agreement. Maintain files for all vendors and file documents appropriately in the relevant files. Ensure vendors are following the terms of the Vending Agreement and are being managed appropriately if the terms are not followed;
6.5. Deal with vendor concerns, complaints and suggestions in an objective, consistent and prompt manner and escalate to the Board where warranted.
7. Communications and Market Promotion
7.1. Represent the market in meetings with external stakeholders, building positive community relationships;
7.2. Communicate respectfully with vendors, board members sponsors, inspectors and other stakeholders;
7.3. Initiate media stories on the market using innovative techniques;
7.4. Respond positively to ad hoc media inquiries about the market;
7.5. Create and monitor and engage on TBCM social media platforms;
7.6. Monitor and update the TBCM website;
7.7. In conjunction with the Board, develop and implement a promotions program for the market;
7.8. Work with the Board to identify signage requirements. Ensure signs are made and displayed prominently within the community;
7.9. In conjunction with the Board, develop and implement special events for the market.
7.10. Respond to market inquiries in a timely manner.
7.11. Work with the local food initiatives to further the local food movement
7.12. Work with organizations that provide support to the businesses within the market
8. Market Set-Up
8.1. Before the market opens, set up tables or mark out booth spaces and greet vendors when they arrive to set up;
8.2. Be visible and accessible to vendors and customers during the market day;
8.3. Prior to leaving the market, ensure the market area is clean and meets all the requirements laid out in the market rental or lease agreement;
9. HR/ Health & Safety
9.1. Review, develop and maintain workplace Health and Safety Programs;
9.2. The Manager will be responsible, under direction from the Board, for hiring, training, disciplining and terminating employees and/or volunteers as necessary
10. Market Evaluation
10.1. Conduct periodic surveys, both formal and informal, to assess customer opinions and satisfaction with the market;
10.2. Receive input from vendors and others to improve the market;
10.3. Develop evaluations programs to track the success of various programs and overall market performance;
10.4. Host vendor workshops for input and training/development purposes
11. Professional Development
11.1. Identify and attend professional development activities annually;
11.2. Debrief board members and vendors after workshops, conferences and retreats;
The above statement are the general functions of the position, and should not be interpreted as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may pertain to the job.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00 per year
Flexible language requirement:
- French not required
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-06-22
Expected start date: 2025-07-07
