Managing Director

About This Role

Leading a beloved Calgary institution with a long history and a clear sense of purpose is the core of this Managing Director role. The position involves overseeing operations, guiding strategic growth, and ensuring the market remains a vital, welcoming, and financially sustainable institution for the next generation of Calgarians. This hybrid role suits a leader who understands that the market's success is measured not only in revenue, but in the strength of relationships between vendors, customers, and the broader community.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary relationship holder with the vendor community, balancing their individual needs with the overall health of the market
• Maintain the market's unique culture—supportive of small businesses, welcoming to newcomers, and deeply connected to Calgary's diverse communities
• Represent the market to external partners, including local government, community organizations, and the media
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the market, including facility maintenance, security, cleaning, and weekend logistics
• Ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for vendors and visitors
• Manage relationships with service providers and contractors
• Develop and execute a long-term strategic plan for the market, including capital improvements and potential expansion of offerings
• Manage the market's budget, financial reporting, and revenue streams, including vendor fees, events, and partnerships
• Identify opportunities to grow the market's profile and attendance while preserving its character
• Lead and support the market's administrative and operational staff
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and accountable workplace culture

Requirements

• A track record of senior leadership in a market, retail, hospitality, community, or property management environment
• Experience managing relationships with diverse stakeholders, including small business owners, tenants, or vendors
• Financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, reporting, and revenue management
• A genuine appreciation for the role that markets play in a city's cultural and economic life
• The ability to balance commercial pragmatism with a community-first mindset
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to listen as much as to lead
• Comfort with the hands-on nature of market operations—this is not a purely desk-based role
• The flexibility to be present on-site during peak market days and to work remotely for planning and administration
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule, with on-site presence required during market operating days and for key meetings
• Reliable high-speed internet and a quiet home workspace for remote work