Central Market Executive Chef

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

The Executive Chef is a culinary leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, including the chef's case, pre-packed foods, catering, and in some cases, our fast casual food offerings. This role is accountable for food quality, operational efficiency, team development, and financial performance. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of culinary expertise, operational excellence, and inspiring leadership to a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and accountability.
• Oversee all culinary production and presentation for the chef's case, pre-packed foods, catering, and in some cases, our fast casual food offerings. The expectations are to ensure exceptional taste, freshness, and visual appeal.
• Forecast food consumption and manage ordering, inventory, and purchasing in partnership with the procurement team.
• Standardize production recipes to ensure consistent quality.
• Establish presentation technique and quality standards, while ensuring proper equipment operation and maintenance standards are upheld.
• Maintain full responsibility for department financials, including food cost, payroll cost, and overall profitability.
• Implement and uphold food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards in accordance with health regulations and company policies.
• Collaborate with product development and merchandising teams to launch new prepared food items, staying ahead of culinary trends and customer preferences.
• Act as a visible and engaging leader in the store, cultivating strong relationships with both team members and customers.
• Continuously evaluate operational processes and workflows for improved efficiency, consistency, and scalability.

Qualifications

• Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional certification preferred.
• Demonstrated culinary leadership experience, ideally in a high-volume retail, hospitality, or restaurant environment.
• Demonstrated success in team leadership, coaching, and performance management.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L, food and labor costs, and inventory.
• Deep knowledge of culinary techniques, global cuisines, and food safety standards.
• Passion for food innovation and excellence in guest experience.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.