Business Development Manager II - Bakery

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

Our Purpose:  

Our first priority is to create an experience - a destination for our Customers to enhance their lives through great food - providing the best products. We are helping customers enjoy living through a more fun, informed relationship with food - regardless of where they are on their food journey. 

Job Summary:  

Do you spend every waking hour thinking about food (and some of your sleeping hours, too?) At Central Market, we live and breathe all aspects of food to the fullest, from where to find the best of it, to how to make lives richer and more delicious with flavors and incredible products not found anywhere else.   

As a Business Development Manager- Bakery you’ll be responsible for sourcing, developing, and curating an extraordinary, unrivaled assortment from around the world. You will also be able to shape shopping experiences as a regional merchant responsible for both merchandising and profitability programs.    

Key Responsibilities:  

Product Expertise

• Expert knowledge of breads, pastries and specialty bakery products. 

• Understanding of ingredients, baking methods, and product characteristics to help train team members.  

• Awareness of bakery trends, artisan products and country -specific traditions.  

• Ability to explain and answer questions regarding product features, flavors, allergens, and preparation methods to customers.  

• Knowledge of seasonal, promotional and limited-time bakery offerings. 

• Ability to recommend products based on customer preferences and special occasions. 

• Ability to identify and maintain quality standards for appearance, taste and freshness. 

• Knowledge of bakery equipment and proper handling procedures.  

 

Product Sourcing

• Able to source unique products and ingredients from suppliers, both local/domestic and uncover hard-to-find treasures from around the world.  

• Manage supplier performance and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products.  

• Expertise in import regulations, logistics, and international sourcing to optimize product procurement and ensure compliance.  

 

Selection and Merchandising

• Using your passion and culinary expertise, curate an exceptional alection and Merchandising  ssortment that reflects both local and international standards of excellence.  

• Develop and implement exciting merchandising strategies that highlight the uniqueness and freshness of our offerings while evoking the charm of a farmer’s market or specialty market.   

 

Product Development

• Lead the product development process, from ideation to execution across multiple stores.  

• Collaborate with suppliers and internal partners to launch innovative and scalable product offerings to customers who shop Central Market for the ultimate shopping experience.  

 

Category Strategy Development

• Create and execute a strategic plan that aligns with our unique, memorable shopping experience.   

• Stay ahead of market trends, customer preferences, and seasonal opportunities to drive category growth and innovation. At Central Market, we set trends rather than follow them. We pride ourselves in being first-to-market with exceptional product assortment. Our BDM Category Managers source, develop, and curate an assortment that customers can’t find anywhere else.  

 

Sourcing and Supplier Management 

• Identify and establish relationships with top-tier suppliers to source the finest product and ingredients.  

• Continuously foster relationships with new suppliers to support bringing in unique product offerings.  

• Manage supplier performance and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products. 

 

Collaborate with Operations Team

• As the regional merchant you provide complete execution guidance and maintain collaborative partnerships with the store operations teams, staying aware of operational processes, challenges, customer feedback and other factors that impact the support needed from teams. 
• Inspire and influence store and operations teams by sharing your expertise and passion for products. Provide training, product knowledge, merchandising and sales strategies to instill confidence and excitement about items, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.  
• As a subject matter expert, you will be responsible for product training and be a go-to source of knowledge for others on their food journey. 

Customer Experience Enhancement

 

• Create an inviting and educational shopping experience that enhances customers’ lives through a more fun and informed relationship with food.  

• Support the development of promotional campaigns and in-store displays that engage customers and showcase premium product differentiators.  

 

 Innovation

• Promote sustainable sourcing practices and support initiatives that contribute to environmental and community well-being.  

• Stay abreast of industry innovations and incorporate cutting-edge practices into category management.  

• Ideate, plan, develop, and execute industry-leading innovations for all Central Market stores.  

P & L Responsibility   

• Responsible for sales, margin, contribution, and innovation at the department level.   

• Monitor category performance through sales data, market analysis, plus Partner and customer feedback.  

• Generate actionable insights to drive profitability, optimize assortment, and improve operational efficiency. Scorecard includes Sales, Gross Profit, Contribution, Innovation, Central Market Shopping Experience  

 

Physical and Other Requirements

 

• Sit for an extended period of time  

• Travel by airplane or car with overnight stays  

• Work extended hours  

• Work from office policy   

 

If you tend to make travel plans with a food-first agenda and have a mind full of creative and strategic plans to bring the ultimate shopping experience to life through curation and exceptional merchandising, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.