Job Description

Overview Central Market is a specialty grocery that started in Austin, Texas in 1994, and has grown to multiple locations across the state. What makes Central Market one of the freshest markets in the country - Try a sumptuous selection of everything edible, for starters. We go straight to the source to bring you the finest food and drink the world has to offer. With hundreds of cheeses, thousands of wines, acres of produce, and aisles of experts, Central Market is a foodie’s wonderland. Our commitment beyond the plate is another reason we’re a cut above. We believe food is a way of uniting families and communities, of preserving cultures, and of starting new traditions. Each of our stores is a market in the truest sense and is a place to exchange goods, services, and ideas for those really into food. Job Description Senior Director of Food Service – Central Market Lead Culinary Innovation. Inspire Teams. Elevate Experiences. At Central Market , we are not just in the business of food—we are in the business of creating extraordinary culinary experiences. As part of the H-E-B family , Central Market is a chef-driven, food-forward concept known for scratch cooking, quality ingredients, and unmatched hospitality. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Senior Director of Food Service to lead the enterprise-wide strategy and operations of Central Market’s Food Service business. This individual will drive innovation, consistency, and performance across all stores while leading a high-impact team of Business Development Managers (BDMs) and functional experts. Do You Have… A Heart for People – You coach, connect, and inspire leaders to be their best A Head for Business – You think strategically, lead decisively, and deliver results A Passion for Results – You bring creativity, structure, and accountability to every challenge What You will Do Enterprise Leadership Lead the strategic direction and performance of all Food Service departments across Central Market stores, including Chef Prepared Foods, Bakery, Pastry, Deli, Cheese, Coffee Bar and Restaurants Serve as the Merchant Leader of Operations Set operational, culinary, and customer experience standards that drive consistency and excellence across the brand Collaborate closely with senior leadership, culinary innovation teams, operations, merchandising, and H-E-B support partners Serve as the enterprise champion for culinary innovation, in-store shopping experiences, and fresh food leadership Team Leadership Directly lead a team of 5 Business Development Managers and a total team of 14+ leaders and support staff Develop talent pipelines, succession plans, and performance strategies to grow and retain a high-performing team Cultivate a culture of accountability, coaching, and continuous improvement Travel regularly to stores to assess performance, coach teams, and inspire operational excellence Operational Excellence Own enterprise-level financial performance for all Food Service departments, including sales, labor, food cost, and shrink Drive process improvement across systems for production planning, labor management, inventory control, and food safety Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards Analyze key business metrics and customer insights to inform strategy and improve guest satisfaction Culinary & Brand Stewardship Ensure Central Market’s food service offerings reflect culinary leadership, innovation, and brand differentiation Partner with category, product, and marketing teams to develop seasonal programs, new products, and store-level activations Guide the evolution of prepared food programs and in-store dining formats that align with changing consumer expectations What You Bring to the Table 10+ years of progressive experience in grocery retail & merchandising 3+ years buying office leadership experience Experience managing senior-level direct reports (e.g., BDMs, Regional Leaders) with total teams of 15+ Strong expertise in scratch-based cooking, culinary merchandising, food safety, and restaurant-level service operations Product Development process management experience P&L ownership and deep financial literacy across high-volume, complex operations Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, Business, or equivalent work experience A passion for developing leaders, building culture, and driving guest delight Excellent communication, collaboration, and change management skills Passion for food, world-class food knowledge Willingness to travel frequently across Texas Why Central Market? As part of the Partner-owned H-E-B family , Central Market offers the opportunity to lead with purpose, own your impact, and shape the future of culinary retail in Texas. If you are passionate about food, hospitality, and people—you’ll thrive here. #J-18808-Ljbffr Central Market

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