Market Manager - Willunga Farmers Market

About the role

As Market Manager, you will provide overall operational leadership for the smooth, safe and high-quality delivery of the weekly market, including acting as Market Lead once a month. Reporting to the WFM Management Committee, you will provide organisational and operational leadership, drive implementation of WFM's Strategic Plan and lead a small team including the Operations Manager, Finance Assistant, casual staff and volunteers. This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who shares WFM's values and vision and can combine strategic thinking with the drive to turn plans into action.

Key responsibilities

• Provide overall operational leadership for the smooth, safe and high-quality delivery of the weekly market, including acting as Market Lead once a month.
• Lead and support the WFM team, creating a positive and effective working environment.
• Build strong relationships with stallholders and work with the Operations Manager to maintain a diverse and high-quality stallholder mix.
• Lead WFM's communications, marketing and social media activities, ensuring consistent and engaging communication with members, stallholders and the wider community, while strengthening WFM's profile, membership and community engagement.
• Oversee financial management, including annual budgeting, cost control and coordination of the annual audit.
• Prepare monthly management reports and support effective governance and Management Committee meetings.
• Drive implementation of WFM's Strategic Plan and annual operational and marketing plans.
• Represent WFM and build productive relationships with Councils, tourism organisations, sponsors and community and industry stakeholders.
• Pursue appropriate grants, sponsorships and other opportunities supporting WFM's long-term sustainability.
• Oversee key events and functions, including the Wilmark Awards.

About you

• Proven leadership and people-management experience.
• Strong operational, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in strategic planning, governance, budgeting and financial management.
• Excellent stakeholder and relationship-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create clear, engaging content for different audiences and communication channels.
• Confidence and experience using social media and digital channels to promote WFM, its stallholders, events and community.
• The ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and deliver practical outcomes.
• A genuine interest in WFM and a strong commitment to fresh, local and seasonal food, farmers, producers and community.

About us

Willunga Farmers Market (WFM) is a successful not-for-profit, membership-based organisation held every Saturday in historic Willunga that connects our community directly with local farmers and producers, supporting a local food system built around fresh, local and seasonal produce.