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Houston 38 Cooking Connect - Culinary Selling Lead - Full-Time

Central Market
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 17 Oct 2025

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

H-E-B needs energetic and motivated Partners willing to work hard and have fun while treating our Customers to excellent service. No matter what background you bring, or where you are in your career, we welcome you to join our community where People come first.As a Culinary Selling Lead, you'll lead selling activation events in the Cooking Connection kitchen while developing appropriate recipes targeted to the local Customer base using key focus items. You'll engage Customers by creating a hub of food experiences through your expertise and knowledge of multiple ingredients, beverage recommendations, and cooking techniques to drive sales and customer engagement. You'll also supervise, manage inventory, and train / develop Partners.Once you're eligible, you'll become an Owner in the company, so we're looking for commitment, hard work, and focus on quality and Customer service. 'Partner-owned' means our most important resources--People--drive the innovation, growth, and success that make H-E-B The Greatest Omnichannel Retailing Company.Do you have a:HEART FOR PEOPLE... willingness to train and supervise?HEAD FOR BUSINESS... a strong sense of how what you do affects our Customers and our success?PASSION FOR RESULTS... drive to work hard to make sure Customers and Partners come first?We are looking for:- degree in culinary arts, nutrition, home economics, or H-E-B Culinary certification; 3+ years of related experienceWhat is the work?Store Lead Operations / Training:- May serve as backup to Department Manager; typically works opposite shift to Manager; may serve as informal leader to other Connections Partners- May make recommendations on hiring, promoting, rewarding, disciplining, and resolving Partner-related matters- Trains Partners; directs work; addresses complaints; resolves issues- Influences department work schedule; ensures consistent and constant coverage for the kitchen and cart- Assists Manager in maintaining a direct line of communication to all Connections Team Partners- Assists Manager in setting daily, weekly, and period goals- Ensures Partners read, understand, sign, and follow all required policies- Monitors / manages communication using PartnerNet, email, Showtime Event Scheduling System (SESS), Slack, meetings, etc.; assists with communication and follow through with Dept Managers and Store Leaders for all Connections selling event activities- Reviews daily sales / additional reports to understand metrics of success- Uses reporting tools to prepare / communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) and results to the Manager and Connections Team- Influences event order quantity and delivery schedule to ensure all Connections selling event product quantities align with sales goals and timing- Assists with event space planning / location in Store; ensures product displays are built and maintained- Contributes to future event planning; shares insights related to food trends, restaurant experiences, and Customer's local preferences; suggests adjustments for stronger future performance- Creates / maintains a Customer Experience calendar with in-Store Cooking Classes, Wine Education, Dinners- Builds / ensures production plans and their execution- Performs back-up or prep duties when neededSales / Customer Service:- Follows the customer service and hospitality model to connect with Customers, building a sense of community and driving loyalty- Creates an atmosphere of celebration by participating in total Store events, creating themed recipes, and cross merchandising- Welcomes / approaches Customers with the mindset of a host, catering to the needs of the Customer to ensure they feel welcomed, invited, and appreciated- Offers advice for menu / meal planning; scales recipes in size and skill level depending on customer needs- Conducts cooking method and recipe preparation demonstrations; executes food prep methods with high efficiency to maximize Customer interactions - Offers engaging, consistent, and relevant culinary conversations on the microphone to attract Customers- Serves as the expert in the day's recipes

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Company

Central Market

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