Senior Culinary Development Chef

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth and creating meaningful change. Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. That means improving how people eat, funding grants for school gardens, providing access to fresh and healthy food to people living within food deserts, alleviating poverty in developing countries, and so much more. Working with us means you are making a difference within your community and beyond. We aren't just a grocery store: we're world-changers. And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry. The Prepared Foods Culinary Product Developer will lead product research, development, and innovation initiatives for Whole Foods Market prepared foods category. This role will be responsible for developing new products from ideation through launch, ensuring adherence to quality standards while maintaining cost efficiency and food safety compliance. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of our prepared foods category while working with innovative products and technologies in a dynamic environment.This role is based in Austin, TX, with an expectation of being in the Store Support office 5 days a week. Key Responsibilities: • Lead product development projects from concept to commercialization, including recipe development, testing, and optimization • Conduct product research and competitive analysis to identify market trends and opportunities • Develop and maintain product specifications, preparation instructions, and documentation • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including procurement, marketing, and quality assurance • Evaluate product samples and technical specifications to ensure high standards for quality, flavor, and consistency. • Lead product cuttings, benchmarking, and sensory evaluations • Work with supplier partners on formulation development and first production management • Ensure all products meet company quality standards and ingredient requirements • Provide technical expertise in food science and manufacturing processes • Develop and validate cooking instructions and preparation methods Required Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in related field • 5+ years’ experience in product development or related field • Expert knowledge of food science, techniques, and equipment • Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications • Experience with product development software and sensory evaluation tools • Knowledge of food safety regulations and labeling requirements • Strong project management and organizational skills Preferred Skills: • Understanding of alternative diets (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) • Experience with sensory evaluation and consumer testing • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities • Excellent communication and presentation skills • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously • Knowledge of market trends and competitive landscape Physical Requirements: • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods • Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds • Ability to work in various temperature environments • May require occasional travel • Flexible work schedule as needed Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. The wage range for this position is $77,111.00-$131,089.00 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.