Retail Operations Manager – Smolak Farms

Hiring:
Retail Operations Manager – Smolak Farms

Retail Operations Manager (Farm Stand & Bakery)
Location: North Andover, MA
Reports to: General Manager
Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $63,000 – $73,000

About Smolak Farms

Located in North Andover, MA, Smolak Farms isn’t just a farm; it’s a destination. From our famous cider donuts to our fall harvest festivals, we welcome tens of thousands of visitors every year who come to connect with local agriculture. We are a fast‑paced, dynamic environment where no two days are the same. We pride ourselves on blending 300 years of history with a high‑energy, customer‑focused retail experience.

Why You’ll Love This Job

You aren’t just managing a farm stand; you are stewarding a 300-year-old homestead into its next era. We are looking for an operational leader to serve as the “conductor” of the Smolak Farms retail experience.

This role is designed for a retail or hospitality professional who wants to join as a strategic partner. You will work directly with the Owner and General Manager to modernize operations, drive profitability, and shape the future of agritourism in the Merrimack Valley.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the daily opening/closing and visual merchandising of the Farm Stand, ensuring the store is “festival‑ready” every morning.
• Manage inventory levels for high‑volume weekends (1,000+ visitors), ensuring top‑selling items remain in stock while minimizing perishability waste.
• Oversee the Bakery Operations (production scheduling, par levels, and efficiency) for our signature items like donuts and pies.
  
  Note:
  
  Baking experience is not required; managing the workflow is.
• Recruit, train, and schedule a diverse seasonal staff of 15–40 team members.
• Foster a culture of “Agritourism Hospitality,” ensuring customers feel connected to the farm, not just the transaction.
• Build accountability through clear SOPs and mentorship.

3. Business Strategy & Financials

• Be a Partner: Sit down with ownership to analyze sales data, P&L reports, and labor costs.
• Modernize: Identify opportunities for tech upgrades (POS improvements), layout redesigns, and new revenue streams.
• Execute: Take ownership of the “Super Bowl” season (Labor Day through Halloween), driving execution during our highest volume months.

Who You Are

• The
  
  Experience:
  
  You have 3+ years of experience in Retail Management, Hospitality Management, or Food Service Operations.
• The Mindset: You possess an “Entrepreneurial Spirit.” You don’t just follow a checklist; you look for ways to improve the business.
• The Analyst: You are comfortable with numbers. You understand that labor costs and waste reduction are just as important as top‑line sales.
• The Stamina: You are comfortable working in an active, indoor/outdoor farm environment and can lift up to 50 lbs. You are ready to lead from the front during weekends and holidays in peak season.
• Base Salary: $63,000+ (Commensurate with experience).
• Performance Bonus: Eligible for an annual performance‑based bonus of up to 15%.
• Upward Mobility: This role is designed for someone who wants to grow with the company. We provide substantial exposure to business ownership fundamentals, with a clear path toward higher‑level responsibilities and management as the business grows.
• Flexible Paid Time Off: PTO to be used primarily during our off‑peak seasons (Winter/Spring).
• Sick Leave: Comprehensive sick time in accordance with Massachusetts state law.
• Seasonal
  
  Schedule:
  
  Please note that due to the nature of our business, vacation time is restricted during our peak harvest season (September – October). We encourage our team to recharge during the quieter winter months.

Please submit your application by emailing your resume and cover letter to