Market Manager

Ilias and Sons is a family owned and operated business built on a simple vision: to share authentic Mediterranean flavours with our local communities. Rooted in our family farm in Greece, we believe in sustainability, transparency and supporting health through food.

As we enter our 10th year in operation in Ottawa and over 5 Generations of food and culinary experience, our core values guide everything we do:

• Quality and authenticity – we harvest, press and bottle every batch of organic extra virgin olive oil by hand, from grove to bottle
• Community and connection – we engage directly with customers at farmers' markets and events, creating personal relationships built on trust
• Education and health – we champion Mediterranean-style eating, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, and enjoy teaching people about the benefits of cold-pressed olive oil
• Respect and sustainability – we honour traditional farming methods, care for our land and strive to reduce waste at every step

Health, Fresh and Flavour: captures our promise: healthy ingredients, fresh from the farm, bursting with flavour.

As Market Manager, you will represent Ilias and Sons as an engaging brand ambassador at outdoor markets and events. You will set up and break down our booth, arrange product displays, and share the story of our family farm and the health benefits of our products. Using Square POS, you will process sales and help drive revenue through genuine customer interactions and upselling complementary products. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and enjoys working outdoors on weekends.

• Arrive early to markets and festivals to set up tents, tables, signage and product displays following Ilias and Sons brand guidelines
• Use Square POS to process cash, debit and credit transactions accurately and efficiently
• Perform inventory counts before departure and after each market closes to track stock levels and restock as needed
• Engage customers with stories about our farm in Greece, farming methods, tasting notes and health benefits (high polyphenols, antioxidants, cold-pressed extraction)
• Demonstrate product sampling safely using disposable utensils and following local food safety regulations
• Leverage strong sales and customer service skills to maximise conversions, suggest add-on items (infused oils, balsamic vinegar, gift sets) and build repeat business
• Maintain a clean, attractive booth space throughout each market day (wipe down surfaces, sweep away debris, tidy displays)
• Collaborate with market coordinators, fellow vendors and the Ilias and Sons team to ensure compliance with market rules
• Load and unload crates, product boxes and display materials (ability to lift up to 25 kg/55 lb safely)
• Provide constructive feedback after each market to improve product placement, promotional offers and customer engagement strategies

Other responsibilities may be assigned and role updates provided as required.

• Previous experience in retail, markets, food handling or customer service is an asset, but not mandatory; passion for quality food products and the local food movement counts most
• Proven sales and customer service skills, with the ability to build rapport, educate customers and close sales without being pushy
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying temperatures, weather conditions and on uneven ground
• Ability to lift and carry heavy product boxes (up to 25 kg/55 lb) repeatedly during setup and teardown
• Basic math skills and strong attention to detail when counting inventory and handling cash transactions
• Excellent oral communication skills: able to speak clearly, listen to customer questions and adjust explanations based on their familiarity with olive oil, balsamic vinegar or Mediterranean cuisine
• French bilingualism is a nice to have (especially for markets with significant Francophone attendance)
• Punctual, reliable and flexible with weekend availability (both Saturdays and Sundays, plus occasional weekday or evening festivals)
• Valid driver's licence and reliable means of transportation to travel between market locations (some markets may be outside Ottawa)
• Food handler certification is nice to have, or willingness to complete local food safety training