Irving - Cooking Connection - Culinary Selling Lead - Full time

H-E-B, L.P.•Irving, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Culinary Selling Lead, you'll lead selling activation events in the Cooking Connection kitchen while developing appropriate recipes targeted to the local Customer base using key focus items. You'll engage Customers by creating a hub of food experiences through your expertise and knowledge of multiple ingredients, beverage recommendations, and cooking techniques to drive sales and customer engagement. You'll also supervise, manage inventory, and train / develop Partners.

Requirements

3+ years Experience related to food and cooking - Required
Experience cooking in a professional environment, in sales or product demonstrations - Required
Advanced knowledge of H-E-B systems and processes (e.g., systems related to scheduling, recipe authoring, inventory management, product ordering, display planning, sales data, MS Office, internal websites, H-E-B mobile apps) - Required
Expert customer service skills - Required
Advanced communication / public speaking skills - Required
Advanced merchandising skills - Required
Strong interpersonal and influencing skills - Required
Skills in advanced cooking techniques - Required
Ability to demonstrate formal / informal leadership - Required
Ability to read and interpret documents (e.g., safety rules, maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, financial / sales reports) - Required
Ability to manage multiple priorities and shift focus between projects - Required
Ability to work flexible hours and weekends - Required
Passion for hospitality - Required
Degree in culinary arts, nutrition, home economics, or H-E-B Culinary certification - Required
H-E-B Wine selling certification or similar experience - Required
Completion of / ability to complete TABC Certification - Required

Responsibilities

Store Lead Operations / Training: May serve as backup to Department Manager; typically works opposite shift to Manager; may serve as informal leader to other Connections Partners
May make recommendations on hiring, promoting, rewarding, disciplining, and resolving Partner-related matters
Trains Partners; directs work; addresses complaints; resolves issues
Influences department work schedule; ensures consistent and constant coverage for the kitchen and cart
Assists Manager in maintaining a direct line of communication to all Connections Team Partners
Assists Manager in setting daily, weekly, and period goals
Ensures Partners read, understand, sign, and follow all required policies
Monitors / manages communication using PartnerNet, email, Showtime Event Scheduling System (SESS), Slack, meetings, etc.; assists with communication and follow through with Dept Managers and Store Leaders for all Connections selling event activities
Reviews daily sales / additional reports to understand metrics of success
Uses reporting tools to prepare / communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) and results to the Manager and Connections Team
Influences event order quantity and delivery schedule to ensure all Connections selling event product quantities align with sales goals and timing
Assists with event space planning / location in Store; ensures product displays are built and maintained
Contributes to future event planning; shares insights related to food trends, restaurant experiences, and Customer's local preferences; suggests adjustments for stronger future performance
Creates / maintains a Customer Experience calendar with in-Store Cooking Classes, Wine Education, Dinners
Builds / ensures production plans and their execution
Performs back-up or prep duties when needed
Sales / Customer Service: Follows the customer service and hospitality model to connect with Customers, building a sense of community and driving loyalty
Creates an atmosphere of celebration by participating in total Store events, creating themed recipes, and cross merchandising
Welcomes / approaches Customers with the mindset of a host, catering to the needs of the Customer to ensure they feel welcomed, invited, and appreciated
Offers advice for menu / meal planning; scales recipes in size and skill level depending on customer needs
Conducts cooking method and recipe preparation demonstrations; executes food prep methods with high efficiency to maximize Customer interactions
Offers engaging, consistent, and relevant culinary conversations on the microphone to attract Customers
Serves as the expert in the day's recipes; answers culinary questions; recommends variations and substitute ingredients for food allergy or food lifestyle needs; adapts as needed to customer response, inventory changes, etc.
Suggests distinctive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage pairings
Develops / maintains relationships with Customers by recalling dietary needs / restrictions and wine preferences to tailor future visits; applies expert observation skills and intuitive selling techniques
Contributes culinary insights, food trends, local trends, and Customer insights to in-Store cooking events
Develops recipes to support events and secures product and supplies needed with appropriate Department Managers
Uses suggestive selling techniques and advanced product knowledge / experience to drive sales
Promotes / plans / executes Cooking Classes, Wine education, and Dinner Series execution where applicable
May conduct Connections floor demos
Merchandising: Executes Connections kitchen merchandising programs including plan-o-gram (POG) integrity, planned promotion execution, and Store flex planning
Ensures A+ standards at the Connections kitchen, including maintaining and cleaning fixtures, stocking conditions, plan-o-gram integrity, daily beginning, mid-day, and end-shift recovery, and perpetual inventory
Builds / maintains merchandising displays; uses appropriate signs, tags, and branding
Ensures recipes for the day are printed and loaded using the Recipe Author tool; ensures Customer signage for daily menu and daily sampling hours is updated and on display
Ensures Connections inventory and backstock are managed with an ownership mentality
Guides customers to multiple product uses; shares product stories on origin, flavor, authenticity, uniqueness, etc.
May support food production for retail sale
Food Safety / Sanitation: Ensures compliance with federal, state, and H-E-B food safety regulations / standards and department SOPs
Completes all required food safety and related trainings
Maintains a professional, clean, healthy, and safe work environment
Ensures proper equipment use; cleans / sanitizes kitchen, equipment, and counter tops per the A+ Standards
Operates under 5-S guidelines set by department leader
Preps products for use in demonstrations, sampling, and production, using the mise-en-place method
Uses proper personal protection equipment during operation of the department and during required tasks
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.