Senior Director of Food Service - Central Market

Overview

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 Description

Senior Director of Food Service

Overview

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.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Food Service provides enterprise leadership and strategic direction across Central Market’s Food Service ecosystem, including Chef Prepared Foods, Bakery, Pastry, Deli, Cheese, Coffee Bar, and Restaurant operations. 

This leader defines and advances the long-term vision for Food Service by influencing store-level execution and partnering across Operations, Merchandising, Culinary, and Support functions. The role ensures a consistently differentiated, chef-driven customer experience while driving measurable business performance across all locations.

Key Responsibilities

Business / Financial

• Influence enterprise-wide performance across Food Service categories, including sales, margin, labor, shrink, and food cost
• Partner with Finance and Operations to identify opportunities that improve profitability and productivity
• Shape long-term strategy for growth, innovation, and scalability of Food Service programs
• Analyze performance trends and translate insights into actionable, enterprise-level strategies

Operations

• Establish and evolve best-in-class standards for production planning, execution, and food quality
• Drive consistency across stores through scalable processes, tools, and operating disciplines
• Partner with store leadership to improve labor efficiency, throughput, and inventory management
• Ensure alignment to food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards through influence and partnership

Merchandising / Customer

• Lead the evolution of Central Market’s chef-driven, food-forward experience across all Food Service venues
• Partner with Merchandising and Culinary teams to develop innovative, trend-forward offerings
• Ensure exceptional in-store presentation, quality, and hospitality standards
• Champion a differentiated customer experience that reinforces the Central Market brand

Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Business Development Managers and functional leaders
• Build a high-performance culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to store leaders and senior leadership
• Lead through influence to drive alignment and execution across a decentralized operating model

Cross-Functional

• Partner closely with Operations, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Culinary, and HR to ensure aligned execution
• Support enterprise initiatives, pilots, and new concept development
• Act as a key stakeholder in strategic decisions impacting Food Service
• Drive clear communication and alignment across all levels of the organization

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in Food Service, Retail Grocery, Hospitality, or a related industry
• Proven success leading multi-unit, complex food operations at scale
• Strong financial acumen with experience influencing P&L performance
• Deep understanding of culinary trends, food production, and customer experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence in a matrixed organization
• Track record of building and developing high-performing teams
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered

What Success Looks Like

• Food Service is a clear differentiator of the Central Market brand
• Consistent, high-quality execution across all stores and formats
• Measurable improvement in sales, margin, and operational efficiency
• Strong cross-functional alignment and partnership across the enterprise
• A highly engaged, high-performing leadership team
• Continuous innovation that keeps Central Market at the forefront of food-forward retail