Prepared Foods Associate Coordinator (MD, VA, D.C.) - Full-time

Job DescriptionThe Culinary Director (Prepared Foods Associate Coordinator – Mid Atlantic Central & South) will assist in the promotion and implementation of the vision and standards for the Prepared Foods program in the region. Will help lead and direct the Prepared Foods team in driving program initiatives while continuously improving the offerings and execution in our Prepared Foods departments. Will also help ensure the team has excellent working relations with various Whole Foods Market working groups including Store Team Leaders, the Regional Leadership Team, the Global Prepared Foods Team, Regional Marketing and Regional Accounting. This position will be based primarily in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia and will require frequent travel (typically 80%) throughout region. Principle Duties and Responsibilities: * Assist with planning, development and execution of the Prepared Foods program in all stores throughout the region. * Provide financial direction and tools enabling teams to make intelligent and informed purchasing, production, and merchandising decisions * Meet or exceed all regional financial performance targets. * Appropriate management of cost files. * Implement and assist with the development of regional merchandising standards. * Overall responsibility for all merchandising plans. * Responsible for continued development of team leadership at the store and regional level. * Improve team productivity and consistency. * Conduct frequent and impactful store visits. * Provide input and assist in department resets. * Successful partnership with regional marketing team; focusing on driving sales, sign package design and implementation, etc. * Monitor and respond to market trends ensuring continued innovation. * Conduct market analysis of competitors and guest trends. * Continued development, sourcing and research of new product offerings. * Establish and maintain a service-oriented relationship with stores and facilities. * Assist in the development and promotion of annual strategic plans. * Assist with regional product procurement and vendor relations. * Assist with and help ensure successful product recalls. * Responsible for meeting and maintaining all standards regarding the safe handling of food, equipment and organics. * Compliance of applicable safety regulations including HACCP, OSHA, Dept. of Labor, Weights and Measures and local food and sanitation laws. * Upholding Whole Foods core values. * Practice conscious leadership. * Other duties and special projects as assigned. Knowledge, skills and abilities required: * Must have a minimum 3 years of multi-unit leadership experience in a retail Prepared Foods environment. * Demonstrated success in setting and meeting or exceeding sales and margin targets. * Procurement experience. * Ability to successfully analyze and respond to sales, purchase and customer trends. * Demonstrated success in leading and developing teams. * Strong product knowledge of Prepared Foods. * Strong proven experience as a conscious leader and mentor of other leaders. * Strong proven customer service, communication and presentation skills. * Excellent computer skills – proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. * Able to perform physical requirements of position, as listed below. * Ability to travel 80% of the time. * Flexibility for all shifts, days, and schedules. Hours may vary, including a combination of both weekdays and weekends (generally 5-7 days per work week.) * Strong desire to become a Coordinator 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, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the position to be filled.