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 SUMMARY
The Cooking School Development Manager - CM serves as the driving force behind the culinary education initiatives at Central Market. The role oversees the strategic direction and innovative development of the cooking school programs, ensuring they reflect current culinary trends and appeal to a diverse audience. This role requires a deep understanding of the culinary arts, financial skills, and a talent for creating engaging content.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Develop and execute the overall strategy for the cooking school program, focusing on profitability and brand enhancement.
- Develop innovative cooking class programming that stays ahead of culinary trends and resonates with the targeted audience.
- Create compelling class content and materials, including recipes, instructional guides, and promotional materials.
- Build and maintain relationships with chefs, culinary experts, and influencers to enhance program credibility and visibility.
- Manage the fiscal responsibility for the cooking school division, including forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
- Make significant contributions to the brand of CM Cooking School.
- Make critical decisions regarding allocation of resources for the CM Cooking Schools.
- Collaborate with cooking school managers across our stores, providing guidance and support to optimize operations and to deliver exceptional class experiences.
- Develop marketing strategies to promote cooking classes, leveraging channels such as social media, influencers, and traditional marketing avenues.
- Lead training sessions and workshops for cooking school instructors to ensure consistent quality and innovation.
- Serve as informal or formal thought leader and mentor.

The responsibilities and essential functions outlined above describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time based on business needs. Employees may be required to perform other job-related tasks as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodations.

QUALIFICATIONS & KEY REQUIREMENTS
Expert individual contributor in a professional role. Creates overall Cooking School Strategy and receives direction in the form of broad outcomes and is expected to define project objectives and own final results. Recognized master who works on novel challenges, translating complex business and technical needs into objectives, plans, specifications, resources, short-term (1-3 years) strategic objectives, and long-term goals.

Majority of time is spent developing and implementing new products, processes, standards, and/or operational plans. Performance has a long-term effect on the company's success. Coaches, directs, oversees, and/or reviews the work of lower-level professionals.

- Strategic advisor to senior leadership, consulting on solutions and strategic implementation of new initiatives with far-reaching impacts. Creates formal networks across the organization.
- Bachelor's degree or role-relevant experience required. 10+ years of relevant experience preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in culinary arts or a related field or role-relevant experience required; a culinary degree is preferred.
- 10+ years of relevant experience in culinary education, culinary arts, or a related field preferred, with extensive knowledge of both global and local cuisine trends.
- Strong network within the culinary industry, particularly in Dallas and statewide, with the ability to engage local influencers and stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and media relations.
- Experience in content creation and editing, with proficiency in managing digital platforms and social media channels.
- Experience in forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to drive results with a track record of success.
- Experience in food cost management, class profitability analysis, and KPI-driven performance metrics.
- Familiarity with digital marketing strategies, including engagement with social media personalities and influencers.
- Media experience, including press interviews, on-camera appearances, and brand representation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS
- Travel by car or airplane with overnight stays.
- Work extended hours
- Work flexible shifts

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Partner encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Last Revised: [3/31/2025]