Posted: Oct 31, 2026

Assistant Market Manager

The Salem Pantry - Salem, Massachusetts
Full-time
Salary: Hourly
Application Deadline: Nov 14, 2026
Nonprofit

Position: Assistant Market Manager
Department: Programs and Partnerships
Reports to: Market Manager
Employment Status: Full-Time
Location: The Market, 47 Leavitt Street, Salem, MA
Compensation: $23 to $26 per hour 
Benefits: Competitive benefits package, including healthcare reimbursement, 401(k) plan with an employer match, and paid time off (PTO)

 

The Salem Pantry (TSP) is a leading food security organization working to transform food access across the North Shore. Through its community markets, mobile pantry, home delivery services, and regional distribution network, the organization connects neighbors with fresh, healthy food while strengthening community partnerships and removing barriers to access. Rooted in the belief that food is a basic right, The Salem Pantry is committed to a culture of dignity, inclusion, and  collaboration.

TSP is seeking an Assistant Market Manager to support daily Market operations, assist guests with SNAP applications and recertifications, and help ensure efficient, reliable, and dignified access to fresh, healthy food. Located at 47 Leavitt Street, TSP's retail-style Market offers a welcoming shopping experience where guests can select free, nutritious food that meets their cultural preferences and dietary needs. In this public-facing role, the Assistant Market Manager plays a key part in maintaining smooth operations, supporting staff and volunteers, and ensuring a positive experience for every guest.

The ideal candidate is a friendly, engaging, and detail-oriented professional who enjoys connecting with people and creating a welcoming environment. They bring strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, guide staff and volunteers, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. They welcome and apply constructive feedback to their work and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Service-oriented and compassionate, they approach their work with patience and professionalism, treating people of all backgrounds and lived experiences with dignity and respect.

 
RESPONSIBILITIES
Market Operations
  • Assist the Market Manager with day-to-day operations and the overall performance of The Market
  • Open, close, and manage The Market in the Market Manager's absence
  • Supervise the Market Associate and volunteer teams
  • Assist guests with SNAP applications, recertifications, and benefits while maintaining guest privacy and accurate records in accordance with federal and state standards
  • Administer guest relations software
  • Oversee pest control
  • Follow the cleaning checklist to maintain store cleanliness and appearance
  • Maintain daily temperature logs for all freezers and refrigerators

Organizational Engagement
  • Attend regular team meetings and actively contribute to program planning and review discussions
  • Collaborate with staff across departments to support organizational goals and initiatives
  • Assist with additional tasks or organizational needs as requested

Work Environment
The employee will primarily work in a fast-paced, public-facing retail environment at The Market. The position requires prolonged periods of standing and walking, the use of equipment and tools, and the ability to lift 50 pounds or more regularly, with or without reasonable accommodations. The employee may also be required to operate equipment such as powered pallet jacks, with appropriate training provided. Evening and weekend hours may be required.

 
QUALIFICATIONS
The Salem Pantry seeks an individual who is passionate about its mission and committed to advancing dignified, equitable access to healthy food through daily interactions, program operations, and community engagement. This position requires relevant operational experience, strong organizational skills, and a positive, outgoing attitude, along with a demonstrated ability to engage guests, volunteers, and staff in a welcoming, respectful, and professional manner.

 
Knowledge and Previous Experience
Required

  • High school diploma, GED credential, or equivalent educational experience
  • Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish
  • 1–3 years of grocery or retail experience

Preferred

  • Prior experience with grocery or food distribution operations 
  • Previous supervision of or work with volunteers
  • Proficiency with technology, including inventory management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google 

Skills and Abilities
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to set priorities, track projects, and meet deadlines
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for engaging with people of all backgrounds and lived experiences
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds or more regularly with or without reasonable accommodations
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
  • Commitment to organizational culture of trust, learning, dignity, and shared humanity

 
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Mike Lilley at [email protected] with the subject line Assistant Market Manager.

The Salem Pantry is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. The organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, veteran status or military service, or genetic information.

The organization strongly encourages individuals with historically marginalized identities and lived experiences to apply, including those who are excited about the role but may not meet every qualification. We recognize that valuable skills and experiences come from many paths, and welcome candidates whose backgrounds may differ from those outlined in this job description.