Reporting to the Manager III of Culinary Development, this Culinary Development Chef delivers hands-on product development and data-driven support for prepared foods programs. You will partner closely with the Culinary Development team to execute category strategies, drive enterprise-level innovation, and ensure the highest quality food reaches our customers—with a relentless focus on recipe testing, precision writing, and flawless program launch support.
The ideal candidate is highly articulate, intellectually curious, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You bring strong active listening, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to present and discuss complex culinary and operational information with cross-functional stakeholders.
Key job responsibilities
Recipe Development & Testing
- Execute rigorous recipe testing with a focus on yield accuracy, methodology precision, and scalability across store formats.
- Perform end-to-end activities associated with program development: trend research, recipe ideation, testing, creation, and submission with all required documentation.
- Develop clear, replicable supporting documents and tools that ensure successful program launches across all stores.
- Capture step-by-step recipe photography to support training materials and operational guides.
Operational Excellence
- Follow and enforce established procedures including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
- Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized working environment; uphold equipment standards in accordance with Amazon and Whole Foods Market cleanliness and safety protocols.
- Assist with periodic inventory checks and report safety violations or hazards immediately.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Provide kitchen leadership by modeling expected behaviors, maintaining high energy, and fostering a strong work ethic across the team.
- Support the team leader and all team members with kitchen functions, contributing to a collaborative and efficient work environment.
- Help maintain facility security and perform additional duties as assigned.
A day in the life
Drive culinary innovation from concept to customer. As a Culinary Development Chef, you will own the end-to-end development of recipes, culinary content, and scalable processes that elevate prepared foods programs across Amazon and Whole Foods Market. From ideation and recipe testing through venue design, employee training, packaging, costing, and launch execution—you bring bold ideas to life while promoting a culture of hospitality that enhances every customer and team member experience through food.
