Store Support

Principal Product Developer - Culinary

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Job Description

We’re seeking a Culinary Product Developer to help lead the creation, development, and launch of exclusive Prepared Foods products. This role blends culinary creativity with technical food science to deliver outstanding products that reflect our values in quality, sustainability, and ingredient integrity.

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Lead product innovation and development for assigned food categories, from concept through commercialization. 

  • Collaborate with chefs, product developers, suppliers, and cross-functional partners to bring new items to life. 

  • Evaluate product samples and technical specifications to ensure high standards for quality, flavor, and consistency. 

  • Partner with third-party manufacturers to commercialize recipes and maintain product integrity. 

  • Ensure products meet Whole Foods Market’s Quality Standards and all regulatory and safety requirements. 

  • Work closely with teams in Merchandising, Nutrition, Quality Standards, Regulatory, and Product Compliance. 

  • Lead product innovation across multiple food categories, using market trends, category insights, and consumer research to shape strategy and drive development. 

  • Manage and mentor 1–2 product developers or contractors, providing guidance, training, and project support. 

  • Partner with cross-functional teams and Category Merchants to execute product roadmaps and align with future business goals. 

  • Identify new food trends, ingredients, and innovation opportunities through market research, trend mapping, and competitive analysis. 

  • Guide products from concept through launch - including formulation, sensory evaluation, sample testing, and vendor feedback. 

  • Oversee commercialization efforts by coordinating first production activities with suppliers, evaluating production samples, and ensuring all quality and formulation standards are met. 

  • Support supplier onboarding and innovation by visiting co-packers, reviewing capabilities, and helping source raw materials when needed. 

  • Drive continuous improvement through process enhancements and cross-functional collaboration with teams like Quality, Safety, Nutrition, and Regulatory. 

  • Ensure product specs and preparation instructions are accurate, complete, and aligned with Whole Foods Market’s standards. 

  • Troubleshoot and resolve product quality concerns, working with internal teams and vendors to ensure consistency and compliance. 

  • Support special projects, including competitive benchmarking, new policy rollouts, and technology applications in product development. 

 

Requirements and Qualifications 

  • Deep knowledge of culinary trends, techniques (both classic and modern), and a strong network in the food industry. 

  • Proven ability to create, adapt, and cost recipes with a strong understanding of culinary budgets. 

  • Experience leading culinary teams, ideally in a high-volume or restaurant setting. 

  • Strong collaboration and communication skills, able to clearly present ideas and guide cross-functional teams. 

  • Skilled in product development leadership, from concept to commercialization. 

  • Proficient in tools like Microsoft Office and ChefTec, with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. 

  • Experience mentoring team members and driving process improvements. 

  • Solid understanding of Whole Foods Market’s structure, operations, and guest demographics. 

  • Knowledge of in-store and off-site food production and retail food management practices. 

Education & Experience: 

  • BA/BS degree and 6-8 years’ relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 

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.