Status: Full time, hourly (40 hours/week, Monday-Saturday)
Compensation: $28/hour
About The Bulb
The Bulb is a Charlotte-based nonprofit working to strengthen community health and wellness by increasing access to fresh produce across Mecklenburg County.
Through mobile farmers markets, food rescue, local farm partnerships and sustainability initiatives, we move hundreds of thousands of pounds of food directly into neighborhoods each year with no payment, ID, referral or application required.
Our work is barrier-free, community-led and rooted in dignity, trust and consistency. We believe stronger food systems help build stronger communities. Let's build this together!
The Role
As the Market Operations Manager, you will guide the day-to-day performance and continued development of The Bulb's Mobile Market Program. You will supervise a staff team, guide a large volunteer network and help ensure markets are safe, welcoming, organized and responsive to the communities they serve. In collaboration with the Food Operations Manager, as well as the Finance and Operations Director and the Executive Director, you will use market data, guest feedback and partner insight to strengthen service delivery and inform the program's continued growth. You will also help strengthen relationships with site partners, community organizations and funders through clear communication, thoughtful collaboration and consistent follow-through.
This role is ideal for an experienced, community-centered manager who can balance day-to-day operations with planning and continuous improvement. The right person anticipates needs, brings organization to a dynamic environment and works well both independently and collaboratively.
Please note: This is a physically demanding role requiring regular movement, the ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds and working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, cold and wind.
Market Program & Partner Relationships
The Market Operations Manager keeps markets running smoothly while fostering trust-based relationships with guests, staff, volunteers and site partners.
Lead day-to-day market execution, translating program goals into clear workflows and service standards
Serve as the primary contact for market site partners, maintaining clear communication and reliable follow-through
Guide guest flow, uphold market policies and respond to concerns professionally to support a safe, welcoming environment
Collaborate with Food Operations, using market data and guest feedback to inform food allocation, selection and education
Lead routine partner check-ins, manage monthly reporting to partners and collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and uphold market agreements
Communicate operational changes and coordinate complementary services with site partners
Community Engagement & Outreach
This role builds awareness, strengthens trust and connects guests with relevant information and services.
Increase awareness of The Bulb and its markets through outreach, event tabling and direct community engagement
Build relationships with mission-aligned organizations that strengthen outreach and complementary services
Oversee timely, accessible text messaging campaigns in collaboration with the Program Operations Analyst
Coordinate the development and distribution of nutrition education materials
Represent The Bulb at community, corporate and fundraising events
Staff & Volunteer Leadership
The Market Operations Manager provides clear expectations, day-to-day support and consistent follow-through for staff and volunteers.
Guide market volunteers, clearly communicating roles, modeling service standards and addressing concerns as they arise
Assess volunteer needs, recruit to fill gaps and coordinate group activities with the appropriate staff
Oversee the staff’s approach to volunteer communication, support and appreciation, helping create a positive experience that encourages continued involvement
Supervise intern, assistant and coordinator-level staff through clear priorities, thoughtful delegation, coaching and constructive feedback
Plan and adjust staff schedules, responsibilities and workflows to support efficient market operations
Foster a collaborative, service-focused team culture grounded in accountability and communication
Data, Systems & Program Improvement
The Market Operations Manager uses data, on-site insight and team feedback to strengthen program decisions, assess processes and support continuous improvement.
Provide oversight of regular market data review in Airtable, ensuring discrepancies are resolved and recurring issues are identified
Ensure post-market summaries and related trend analysis are completed; review key findings to develop program recommendations to share with the Executive Director
Oversee market and partner reporting, ensuring deadlines are met, information is accurate and complete, and final reports are reviewed and delivered professionally and on time
Plan and execute biannual surveys with the Survey Team and use results to inform program decisions
Regularly assess market processes and recommend thoughtful, practical improvements that strengthen consistency, efficiency and the guest experience while remaining grounded in The Bulb's mission and service standards
Fundraising & Grant Support
This role's close view of market activity, community feedback and program outcomes provides valuable context for fundraising tied to mobile market programming.
Draw on Airtable data, post-market summaries and survey results to provide accurate program details, outcomes and community stories for grant applications, reports and fundraising
Collaborate with the Grants Team on market-related grant applications, reporting and funder communication
Operational Support
This role also helps keep shared spaces, resources and operating practices ready for strong markets.
Help maintain organized, sanitary and market-ready shared spaces, supplies and vehicles
Provide hands-on support with food rescue, sorting and surplus delivery as needed
Keep market guides, checklists and process documentation current as workflows evolve
Submit accurate timesheets and communicate scheduling or workload concerns proactively
What You Bring
Bachelor’s degree
Spanish language fluency
5+ years of professional experience, including people management
Background in food justice, hunger relief or nonprofit programming preferred
Experience using data and feedback to inform decisions, assess processes and guide program improvements
Strong writing and synthesis skills, with the ability to translate program data, community feedback and operational details into clear reports, grant content and partner communications
Experience supporting and leading volunteers in active, community-facing environments
Basic financial and budgeting knowledge
Proactive, collaborative and solution-oriented approach
Strong verbal communication, judgment and time management skills
Ability to navigate conflict, uphold policies and represent the organization professionally
Confidence with public speaking and community engagement
Strong organization and the ability to shift priorities in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; Canva and Airtable experience preferred
Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors in heat, rain, cold and wind
Valid driver’s license held for at least three consecutive years, clean driving record and access to reliable transportation and technology
Compensation and Benefits
The Bulb operates Monday - Saturday, with market and program activities ~50 weeks each year. Annual breaks are reserved for administrative planning, special projects and personal time.
Benefits include:
Hourly compensation ($28/hour)
15 days paid time off, accrued annually
$250 monthly taxable health stipend
Up to $150 annually for professional development
A Note on Language & Community
Spanish fluency is essential for the direct partner, guest and community engagement this role involves. The Bulb values bilingual, community-centered professionals and recognizes these skills as an essential part of the position.
If you're looking for work that is active, collaborative, community-rooted, and directly connected to tangible impact, we'd love to hear from you!
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter to JOBS@thebulbgallery.org
