Farmstand Operations Manager

Happy Valley Farm, LLC.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnation Farms is seeking a hands-on Farmstand Manager to lead daily operations of our on-site Farmstand, delivering a welcoming retail experience that reflects our regenerative mission and seasonal farm production.

You will manage staff, merchandising, vendor relations, and collaboration with the Culinary Director, ensuring strong product representation and a connection between community, farm, and kitchen.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of retail or food-focused management experience.
• Strong organizational and operational skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with merchandising, inventory management, and POS systems (Square preferred).
• Collaborative mindset and comfort working across teams.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders or leaders.
• Passion for local food systems and mission-driven work.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Valid driver’s license and insurability.
• WA Food Handler’s Food Permit.
• MAST Permit (can be obtained post hire)

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day Farmstand operations, including staffing, inventory, vendor coordination, and sales
• Hire, train, schedule, and support a high-performing team
• Deliver an exceptional and mission-driven customer experience
• Execute merchandising and product displays aligned with seasonal and culinary priorities
• Source and manage vendor relationships aligned with local and regenerative food systems
• Collaborate closely with the Culinary Director on product selection and retail experience
• Ensure consistent and prominent integration of Carnation Farms’ produce and livestock products in the Farmstand
• Track sales and performance to improve operations and customer experience
• Support events and pop-ups with strong retail execution

Skills

Leadership

Retail management

Merchandising

Inventory management

POS systems

Team collaboration

Customer service

Tools

POS systems (Square)

Job description

Carnation Farms is a community-based hub for regenerative food and agriculture that educates and empowers culinary, food, and farm professionals. We’re working to build a thriving regional food system rooted in health, equity, and sustainability.
We’re looking for a hands-on retail leader who enjoys running day-to-day operations while working closely with culinary and farm teams to bring a shared vision to life.
At Carnation Farms, the Farmstand is more than a store it’s where our farm, food, and community come together. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, customer-facing environment and is excited to connect people to regenerative agriculture through what we grow and sell.

Reports To: Executive Director

Employment: Full-Time, Hourly

Position Overview

The Farmstand Manager leads the daily operations of our Farmstand, creating a welcoming and engaging retail experience that reflects the Carnation Farms’ mission, seasonal farm production, and culinary programming.

This is a hands on leadership role for someone who enjoys being on-site, supporting a team, and collaborating across disciplines to bring a thoughtful and cohesive customer experience to life.

• Reports to the Executive Director
• Works in close partnership with the Culinary Director, who provides direction on product selection, merchandising, and food-related offerings
• Collaborates with the farm team to ensure strong representation of seasonal farm products

This role is ideal for someone who enjoysowning operations while working closely with a culinary or product leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day Farmstand operations, including staffing, inventory, vendor coordination, and sales
• Hire, train, schedule, and support a high-performing team
• Deliver an exceptional and mission-driven customer experience
• Execute merchandising and product displays aligned with seasonal and culinary priorities
• Source and manage vendor relationships aligned with local and regenerative food systems
• Collaborate closely with the Culinary Director on product selection and retail experience
• Ensure consistent and prominent integration of Carnation Farms’ produce and livestock products in the Farmstand
• Track sales and performance to improve operations and customer experience
• Support events and pop-ups with strong retail execution

Qualifications

• 3+ years of retail or food-focused management experience
• Strong organizational and operational skills in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with merchandising, inventory management, and POS systems (Square preferred)
• Collaborative mindset and comfort working across teams
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders or leaders
• Passion for local food systems and mission-driven work
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Required – Valid driver’s license and insurability
• Required – WA Food Handler’s Food Permit
• Required – MAST Permit (can be obtained post hire)

The typical schedule for this role is Tuesday through Saturday; however, the Farmstand operates Wednesday through Sunday.

This role requires a consistent on-site presence during days the Farmstand is open, with flexibility to adjust the schedule as needed to support operations, staff, and customer experience.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand and move for extended periods
• Weekend and event availability required

Why This Role is Unique

The Farmstand is a central expression of Carnation Farms’ mission connecting customers directly to the food we grow and the values we stand for. This role offers the opportunity to shape a meaningful, community-centered retail experience that evolves with the seasons.

Additional Information

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
• This is a full-time, on-site role

The expected compensation for this position is $25-$31/hour.