Store Operations Manager

The Fresh Market Inc; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team member discount

Early wage access

401K with match

Financial wellness program

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision

Pet insurance discounts

Job summary

The Fresh Market is seeking a Store Operations Manager (SOM) to lead key store operations and support the Store Director. You will oversee Guest Service, Fresh Production, In-Stock, and Inventory Control to ensure exceptional hospitality, safety, and smooth daily operations.

You’ll model our values of excellence and teamwork, provide hands-on leadership on the sales floor, manage schedules within budgets, and stand in as Manager on Duty when needed.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive management experience in supermarkets, retail, restaurants, hospitality, or general business.

Responsibilities

• Lead Guest Service, Fresh Production, In-Stock, and Inventory Control to deliver impeccable hospitality, a safe shopping environment, and strong execution.

Skills

Guest service leadership

People management

Communication skills

POS systems

Scheduling tools

MS Office

Food Safety

21+ years old

Bilingual

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/retail management

Tools

POS systems

Scheduling tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Fresh Market & You:

Our mission is to make everyday eating extraordinary for our guests. We create a warm, welcoming, and memorable experience through exceptional, personal service. We’re looking for a leader who brings positive energy, strong character, and a commitment to excellence every day. We value teamwork, celebrate our shared success, and look forward to the impact you’ll make on our store, our team, and our community.

Our added benefits for joining The Fresh Market team

• Team Member discount up to 40%
• Early Earn Wage Access (You can access up to 50% (max $500) of your earned wages on-demand per pay period)
• 401K contribution and company match
• Financial Wellness Program

• Personal time off and additional time off purchase plans are available
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance for individual, spouse, partner, and family
• Discounts on pet insurance, daycare, event tickets, and many more.

About the Position:

Do you have a passion for food? Are you committed to delivering an excellent experience for guests? The Store Operations Manager (SOM) plays a key leadership role in supporting the Store Director and ensuring smooth, consistent store operations. You will lead major operational areas, including Guest Service, Fresh Production, In-Stock, and Inventory Control, to deliver impeccable hospitality, a safe shopping environment, and strong execution every day.

What You’ll Do:

• Model our values of passion, excellence, hospitality, and teamwork in every interaction.
• Provide hands‑on leadership to Guest Service, Fresh Production, and other operational support departments.
• Help manage scheduling and labor to support service needs while staying within labor budgets.
• Be visible and accessible on the sales floor and front end, engaging with guests and helping team members solve problems.
• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) during assigned shifts, ensuring smooth operations, safety, and exceptional guest service.
• Model and coach “Impeccable Hospitality” by greeting guests, offering solutions, and leading by example.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, risk management, and all regulatory requirements.
• Support preparation for internal and external audits, ensuring follow‑up and adherence to action plans.
• Support inventory management, accurate ordering practices, shrink control, and operational efficiencies.
• Support workload planning, task execution, and team alignment so daily priorities are met.

Availability:

This position requires the willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, days, evenings, and holidays.

Qualifications:

At a minimum, what you’ll need:

• 3+ years of progressive management experience in supermarkets, retail, restaurants, hospitality, or general business
• Proven success delivering an exceptional guest experience while meeting performance goals.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop high‑performing teams.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and conflict‑resolution skills
• Basic proficiency with POS systems, scheduling tools, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Food Safety Certification or ability to obtain after hire
• Must be 21 years of age or older

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, retail management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience leading in a grocery or high‑volume specialty retail environment
• Knowledge of inventory management systems and financial reporting.
• Bilingual skills a plus

Physical and Work Conditions

• Repetitive hand/arm movements, bending, reaching, and the ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds independently.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Use of tools and equipment such as knives, ladders, stepstools, box cutters, and pallet jacks.
• Standing or walking for long periods (up to 4 hours or as required by law).
• Required use of approved hats, hair nets, beard guards, and personal protective equipment.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Fresh Market is a proud, equal‑opportunity employer that is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Reasonable Accommodation: Consistent with applicable laws, The Fresh Market will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and team members, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to The Fresh Market. This guiding principle applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring and job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

The statements in this job posting describe the general nature and level of work expected in this role but are not all inclusive. The Fresh Market looks forward to talking with interested candidates to share additional details about the applicable responsibilities, duties and skills required.