Culinary Development Chef - Bakery

Reporting to the Senior Team Leader of Culinary Development, the Culinary Development Chef - Bakery will provide product development and data support for overall bakery and prepared foods holiday and catering programs. This position will work in step with the Culinary Development team to execute category strategies and Enterprise development to ensure the highest quality food with a focus on recipe testing, writing, and program launch support.Responsible for supporting, developing, and executing product research and development initiatives across multiple product lines. This role combines culinary expertise with analytical skills to develop and position new products while ensuring adherence to quality standards and brand guidelines.The candidate is highly articulate, with strong active listening, verbal and written communication skills.This role is based in Austin, TX, with an expectation of being in the Store Support office 5 days a week.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-depth recipe testing, including yield and methodology accuracy.
• Perform a variety of activities associated with program development, including basic research of emerging ideas and trends, recipe testing, development, recipe creation and submission with required documentation
• Develop supporting documents and tools to ensure successful and replicable launch of program across all stores.
• Provide step-by-step recipe photography as needed for each executed recipe.
• Supports product development and execution, including:
•   - Competitor benchmarking and market analysis
•   - Recipe development, testing, and validation
•   - Product specifications and documentation
•   - First production management and quality control
• Develops and maintains detailed documentation, including recipes, preparation methods, and specifications
• Supports production for sensory panels
• Follow and comply with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary working environment; maintain equipment in accordance with Whole Foods Market cleanliness and safety standards.
• Provide kitchen leadership and models expected behavior while helping to maintain enthusiasm and work ethic.
• Support Team Leader and all team members with all kitchen functions.
• Assist with periodic inventory checks.
• Report safety violations and hazards immediately; help maintain facility security.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years working in a culinary/baking field.
• Ability to knowledgeably communicate and explain recipes, food characteristics, health benefits, and factors that differentiate WFM from the competition.
• Proficient in recipe development, recipe management, kitchen organization and nutrition.
• Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, Chef Tec.
• Strong savory culinary and bakery skills and knowledge.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong to excellent communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to follow recipes; read and understand culinary measurements and methods.
• Ability to taste and evaluate all products to judge quality.
• Proficiency in recipe development and scaling
• Knowledge of food safety and quality control procedures
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interactions
• Photography skills for product and process documentation
• Ability to perform simple math and culinary conversions.
• Ability to quickly process and respond to feedback.
• Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectful manner to fellow Team Members.
• Ability to follow directions and procedures.
• Strong and effective time management and organizational skills.
• Must be self-motivated and solution-oriented with a desire to learn and grow.
• Maintain high productivity levels; actively seek out efficiencies and additional work as needed.
• Good working knowledge of and adherence to all relevant Whole Foods Market policies, company mission, and standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must adhere to company dress code and standards of production kitchen dress and PPE (personal protective equipment).
• Must follow all food safety and sanitation procedures as outlined.
• Standing and walking for extended periods of times; up to 8-10 hours.
• Regular use of the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, reaching, lifting.
• Repetitive use of hands and arms.
• Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to and work within varying temperatures and conditions (walk-in coolers and freezers, near ovens and smokers, etc.)
• Exposure to continuous background noise and occasional loud noises.
• Unassisted lifting of up to 50 pounds.

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended any time at the sole discretion of Whole Foods Market. The appropriate country or jurisdictional laws, processes, professional or regulatory bodies, and qualifications apply outside of the United States.  

The wage range for this position is $60,021.00-$102,036.00 Annual, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire. For additional information, visit our Whole Foods Market Careers site: https://careers.wholefoodsmarket.com/benefits.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.