Culinary Development Chef and Packaging Specialist

Whole Foods Market is hiring our next culinary development chef and packaging specialist. This new hire is responsible for developing culinary recipes, content, and processes for venues and restaurants within assigned regions, as well as testing all packaging from hot and cold support, materials, and shelf life). You will support all phases of culinary development from initial concept through menu planning, recipe testing, venue design, Team Member training, packaging and costing, promotions, follow up review, and modification. We as a company have established processes for researching and developing new recipes, venues, and delivery methods but we are also always open to new and fresh ideas. You will also support new store openings and renovations by partnering with perishable teams and ensuring outstanding culinary execution including food safety, sanitation, purchasing, and receiving. You will continue to promote a culture of hospitality by enhancing customer and Team Member experiences through food.

Job Profile Summary 

Provides leadership and oversight to the Culinary Commercialization Product Development and packaging testing functions. Works closely with Category Management, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Excellence and Indirect Procurement teams to promote product innovation, strategic development, growth across categories and packaging design. Oversees, supports and develops training for supplier, Stores chef, and WFM manufacturing facilities. Manages the product specifications development process and packaging needs for prepared foods and bakery items. Lead the scale-up process, transitioning products from the "lab" to manufacturing facilities. Work closely with 3Ps and 1Ps manufacturing operations and production teams to troubleshoot any issues during pilot runs and full-scale production. Develop detailed product specifications and documentation for manufacturing, packaging, and labeling. Ensure products meet regulatory requirements and food safety standards. Oversees formulation, and prototype creation and testing of packaging materials and durability, successful candidates must have experience working with packaging testing as well as culinary development and batch cooking to be considered for this role.

This role is located in our downtown Austin, TX headquarters and will be required to work onsite fully for this role.

Responsibilities: 

• Provides Product Development, Innovation, and Packaging support within assigned regions and product areas. 
• Responsible for formulations specs, conducting trials and tests, create specifications for sourcing ingredients, collaborating with manufacturing teams to ensure product feasibility and scalability within their respective categories and packaging (prepared foods or bakery). 
• Works closely with indirect procurement to define packaging spec needs.
• Works with culinary stakeholders, chefs, and others as required to develop new product and packaging specifications, including recipes, design, ingredients, etc. 
• Benchmarks specifications against the competition and to ensure adherence to WFM standards. 
• Contributes to nutritional and other technical reviews against formulas and vendor specifications. 
• Evaluates, validates, and finalizes key elements of product preparation. 
• Evaluates, validates, and finalizes packaging needs for product type. 
• Sets, tracks, and manages first production dates and requirements - ensuring appropriate communication with vendors, store, and regional stakeholders. 
• Monitors finished product release and acceptance, identifying logistical, quality, and other issues. 
• Follows up with Analytics and other stakeholders to understand customer levels of product satisfaction, sales volumes, and expected volumes going forward. 
• Create detailed and accurate product specifications for each new item, including ingredient lists, sourcing requirements, production procedures, packaging guidelines, and quality assurance parameters.
• Manage product and packaging specifications within our ERP systems and culinary tooling, ensuring data accuracy, version control, and accessibility for relevant stakeholders
• Oversee and optimize the production process of new products, working closely with production teams to ensure adherence to specifications, quality control, and efficient manufacturing practices.
• Utilize internal systems and tools (e.g., ERP, recipe management software, labeling software) to streamline product development workflows, track progress, and maintain accurate records.
• Stay informed about culinary trends, new ingredients, emerging food technologies, new equipment and industry best practices in specification management and scalable production.
• Checks packaging information against the FDA Code of Federal Regulation (Section 21) for accuracy and compliance.
• Initiates packaging testing for all Prepared Foods and Bakery products.

Skills: 

• Culinary degree or equivalent experience in food product development, with a focus on large-scale production.
• Proven knowledge working with packaging and packaging vendors.
• Proven experience developing and launching successful prepared foods and/or bakery products for a multi-unit retailer or food manufacturer.
• Deep understanding of food manufacturing processes, quality assurance protocols, packaging, and supply chain management.
• Broad understanding of the food industry and/or consumer packaged goods industry and associated packaging materials, packaging equipment, packaging systems and controls, and related manufacturing applications.
• Strong proficiency in using ERP systems and other relevant software tools for specification management, recipe development, and production planning.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in creating and managing product specifications.
• Knowledge of Whole Foods Market's quality standards and commitment to organic and natural foods.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for food and a commitment to creating high-quality, scalable products.
• Strong understanding of grocery retail and culinary product development. 
• Proficient with data analysis. 
• Able to develop culinary product specifications and adapt quickly to changes and feedback. 
• Highly proficient computer skills, including with Microsoft Office. 
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal communication skills and levels of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality. 
• Demonstrates excellent knowledge of the WFM product mix, supply base and retail operations. 
• Able to play a key and influential role working with others, in groups, in cross-functional settings and with diverse stakeholders internally and externally. 
• Models WFM principles and core values. 

Education & Experience: 

BA/BS degree and 2-4 years’ relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 

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.  

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.