Cooking School Development Manager - Dallas

Central Market•Dallas, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cooking School Business Development Manager 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 combines culinary expertise with business and financial leadership and is responsible for the continued growth, performance, and profitability of the Cooking Schools.

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: 10+ years of relevant experience and culinary degree preferred.
Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of both global and local cuisine trends.
Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and media relations.
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.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the overall strategy for the CM Cooking School program, focusing on profitability and brand enhancement.
Build an innovative cooking class program that stays ahead of culinary trends, resonates with the targeted audience, and enhances customers’ lives through a more fun and informed relationship with food.
Stay ahead of market trends, customer preferences, and seasonal opportunities to drive category growth and innovation.
Build and maintain relationships with chefs, culinary experts, community leaders, and influencers to enhance program credibility and visibility.
Manage the fiscal responsibility for the Cooking School Division, including forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
Monitor category performance through sales data, market analysis, plus Partner and customer feedback.
Generate actionable insights to drive profitability, optimize catalog, and improve efficiency.
Collaborate with Cooking School Managers across our stores, providing guidance and support to optimize operations and to deliver exceptional class experiences.
Lead process development and training sessions for cooking school instructors to ensure consistent quality and innovation.
Partner with Marketing to promote cooking classes, leveraging channels such as social media, influencers, and traditional marketing avenues.
Serve as informal or formal thought leader and mentor.