Food Service Manager

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is one of the fastest growing companies in the retail grocery market, known for providing a unique shopping experience that emphasizes fresh, organic, and natural products. Established in 2012, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market has blossomed into a trusted community resource for shoppers seeking healthy food options at affordable prices across the Midwest. The company fosters a culture of promotion from within, career growth, and commitment to customer wellness, making it a premier employer within the grocery market. Fresh Thyme’s business model focuses on helping customers find real, honest, and affordable goodness intuitively and enjoyably, meeting them wherever they are on their wellness journey.

The Food Service Manager role at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is an exciting, dynamic position essential to the smooth operation and success of the Food Service Department. This full-time role offers competitive compensation ranging from $20.50 to $30.05 per hour, with pay rates depending on experience, qualifications, and skill levels. The position also includes incentive bonus opportunities based on individual and company performance. Fresh Thyme takes pride in creating a supporting work environment that values the whole person, not just the employee. Full-time team members receive an extensive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as paid parental leave, a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, and a 401(k) plan with employer match.

As the Food Service Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Food Service Department, including managing staff, sales, margins, and labor costs. You will play a key role in directing weekly sales and labor projections, controlling expenses, and ensuring product availability and presentation align with company standards. Managing a high-performing team involves hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and conducting performance reviews to ensure all team members are well-versed in policies and procedures.

Operational excellence is critical to this role, involving maintaining proper inventory control, managing shrink, ensuring accurate weighing and labeling of products, and following health department regulations to guarantee food safety and quality throughout the deli, cheese, bakery, and other food service areas. You will be tasked with maintaining a clean and organized department, verifying compliance with health standards, and responding to customers’ needs while embodying the friendly and energetic demeanor Fresh Thyme represents.

The position also requires financial acuity, such as balancing department ledgers and understanding profit margins. A significant portion of your time will be spent ensuring that food service cases are well-stocked, attractively presented, and accurately priced, and that weekly promotional items are prioritized and prepared for sale. You will also verify shipment accuracy, product quality, and proper product rotation to avoid expired stock.

Fresh Thyme values collaboration, so you will work cross-functionally with other departments and senior management, using strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills to drive team goals and execute strategic initiatives. The role demands adaptability and initiative in a fast-paced retail environment, advanced attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office tools. Your expertise with food service equipment and processes will ensure consistent product preparation that meets recipe, specification, and schematic standards.

In summary, joining Fresh Thyme Farmers Market as a Food Service Manager means embarking on a rewarding career journey with a company devoted to the health and well-being of its communities and employees alike. You will thrive in a vibrant, growing setting where your contributions directly impact customer satisfaction and business success. This role offers a unique blend of leadership, operational management, customer service, and financial responsibility—all within a company committed to sustainability, wellness, and personal development.