Senior Director of Food Service

OverviewCentral Market is a specialty grocery that started in Austin, Texas in 1994, and has grown to multiple locations across the state. What makesCentral 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 DescriptionSenior Director of Food Service – Central MarketLead Culinary Innovation. Inspire Teams. Elevate Experiences.AtCentral Market, we are not just in the business of food—we are in the business of creating extraordinary culinary experiences. As part of theH-E-B family, Central Market is a chef-driven, food-forward concept known for scratch cooking, quality ingredients, and unmatched hospitality.We are seeking a dynamic and visionarySenior Director of Food Serviceto lead theenterprise-wide strategy and operations of Central Market’s Food Service business. This individual will drive innovation, consistency, and performance across all stores while leading a high-impact team of Business Development Managers (BDMs) and functional experts.Do You Have…AHeart for People– You coach, connect, and inspire leaders to be their bestAHead for Business– You think strategically, lead decisively, and deliver resultsAPassion for Results– You bring creativity, structure, and accountability to every challengeWhat You will DoEnterprise LeadershipLead the strategic direction and performance of all Food Service departments across Central Market stores, includingChef Prepared Foods, Bakery, Pastry, Deli, Cheese, Coffee Bar and RestaurantsServe as the Merchant Leader of OperationsSet operational, culinary, and customer experience standards that drive consistency and excellence across the brandCollaborate closely with senior leadership, culinary innovation teams, operations, merchandising, and H-E-B support partnersServe as the enterprise champion for culinary innovation, in-store shopping experiences, and fresh food leadershipTeam LeadershipDirectly lead a team of5 Business Development Managersand a total team of14+ leaders and support staffDevelop talent pipelines, succession plans, and performance strategies to grow and retain a high-performing teamCultivate a culture of accountability, coaching, and continuous improvementTravel regularly to stores to assess performance, coach teams, and inspire operational excellenceOperational ExcellenceOwn enterprise-level financial performance for all Food Service departments, including sales, labor, food cost, and shrinkDrive process improvement across systems for production planning, labor management, inventory control, and food safetyEnsure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standardsAnalyze key business metrics and customer insights to inform strategy and improve guest satisfactionCulinary & Brand StewardshipEnsure Central Market’s food service offerings reflect culinary leadership, innovation, and brand differentiationPartner with category, product, and marketing teams to develop seasonal programs, new products, and store-level activationsGuide the evolution of prepared food programs and in-store dining formats that align with changing consumer expectationsWhat You Bring to the Table10+ years of progressive experience in grocery retail & merchandising3+ years buying office leadership experienceExperience managing senior-level direct reports (e.g., BDMs, Regional Leaders) withtotal teams of 15+Strong expertise in scratch-based cooking, culinary merchandising, food safety, and restaurant-level service operationsProduct Development process management experienceP&L ownership and deep financial literacy across high-volume, complex operationsBachelor’s degree in culinary arts, Business, or equivalent work experienceA passion for developing leaders, building culture, and driving guest delightExcellent communication, collaboration, and change management skillsPassion for food, world-class food knowledgeWillingness to travel frequently across TexasWhy Central Market?As part of thePartner-owned H-E-B family, Central Market offers the opportunity to lead with purpose, own your impact, and shape the future of culinary retail in Texas. If you are passionate about food, hospitality, and people—you’ll thrive here. #J-18808-Ljbffr