Food Service Manager

Fort Wayne, IN, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $20.50 - $30.05

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

weekly pay

Scheduling flexibility

Paid parental leave

Team member discount

Career growth opportunities

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Life insurance

401(k) Plan

Employee assistance program

Job Description

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is a rapidly growing retail grocery company specializing in organic and natural foods. Established in 2012, Fresh Thyme focuses on offering fresh, organic, and wholesome food products at affordable prices throughout the Midwest. The company is dedicated to helping its customers live healthier lifestyles by providing real food in a welcoming and enjoyable shopping environment. Fresh Thyme’s unique business model combines a fast-paced retail environment with a health-conscious product offering, fostering a promote-from-within culture that nurtures career growth and employee well-being. The team at Fresh Thyme is passionate about food and wellness, and they strive to be a trusted resource for communities needing access to nutritious and affordable options. The company offers competitive compensation, scheduling flexibility, paid parental leave, and various incentive and recognition programs that reward dedication and performance.

The Food Service Manager role at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is a critical leadership position responsible for overseeing the Food Service Department. This department includes deli, cheese, and bakery items, and the manager ensures that all aspects of operations—from staff management to sales, margin, and labor—run efficiently and profitably. The Food Service Manager develops labor and sales projections to maximize results, controls costs, and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. The role requires hands-on involvement, including customer service, inventory management, and maintaining a clean and organized department. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a solid background in food service management within a grocery or natural foods environment, capable of leading a team while maintaining high standards for quality and customer experience.

This full-time position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $20.50 to $30.05 based on qualifications and experience, plus incentive bonuses linked to individual and company performance. Fresh Thyme provides an inclusive benefits package for full-time employees that features medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as retirement savings options like a 401(k) plan with employer match. Paid parental leave, employee assistance programs, and team member discounts add to the comprehensive benefits aimed at supporting work-life balance and long-term health. Fresh Thyme is committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally while delivering real value to customers throughout the Midwest. If you are passionate about health, retail grocery, and managing a dynamic food service team, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market offers an exciting career opportunity for growth and impact.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency
minimum 4 years of professional experience
preferred 3-5 years grocery retail experience in food service department
previous natural foods industry experience preferred
must maintain highest level of customer service
ability to adapt and work in fast-paced retail environment
initiative and problem-solving skills
flexibility in work situations
strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize
excellent communication skills
proficiency in MS Office
strong organizational and multitasking abilities
leadership and team management skills
familiarity with health regulations
knowledge of weights and measures
ability to interpret financial statements
experience with food service equipment
ability to follow recipes and schematics

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalency
minimum four years of professional experience
preferred 3-5 years grocery retail experience in food service department processes
previous experience in natural foods industry is a plus
must maintain highest level of customer service
ability to adapt to fast-paced retail and cross-functional teams
capacity to take initiative and solve problems
flexibility in various situations
advanced attention to detail with prioritization and deadline skills
excellent written and verbal communication
proficiency with MS Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel
excellent organizational and multitasking skills
leadership ability and team support
familiarity with Health Department regulations
advanced knowledge of math, weights, and measures
ability to analyze company financial statements
skilled in food service equipment usage
capable of following and directing recipes and schematics

Job Duties

Prepare weekly sales and labor projections for food service department to maximize sales and profits
monitor and control all costs and expenses including ordering, inventory control, and shrink control
manage food service staff including hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and conducting performance reviews
oversee shift operations and approve department work schedules
ensure weekly flyer ads are stocked and product for upcoming ads is ordered and available
stock food service cases maintaining product presentation, facing, filling, organization, and pricing accuracy
ensure cleanliness and safety of food service aisles, storage, and work areas
assist customers with inquiries, purchases, and product selection at the food service counter
receive, inspect, and log shipments verifying accuracy, temperature, and quality
monitor product rotation to prevent expired or spoiled stock
balance the food service general ledger and financial statements managing department margins
oversee pre-inventory preparation ensuring back stock and tags alignment
manage inventory control preventing out-of-stocks or over-stocks
accurately weigh, label, package, and date products using scales and weight measures
ensure proper temperatures for deli, cheese, and bakery production
maintain high product knowledge and preparation standards
regularly walk the department to ensure an organized, sanitary, and clean environment
perform other duties as assigned