Food And Beverage Product Development Specialist

THE ROLE
As a key member of our Product & Merchandising Group (PMG), this position supports our companywide Food and Beverage Departments, including Prepared Foods,, Specialty Cheese, Bakery, Central Kitchens, and Coffee Shop Departments; the Food Service Coordinator is responsible for product/program education and quality standards of the Food and Beverage Departments. This position works with the Food and Beverage Sr. Director, the Food and Beverage Specialist, Prepared Foods Coordinator, Central Kitchen Leads, and Bakery & Coffee Category Manager in product development. . The Food and Beverage Product Development Specialist provides ongoing recipes management, new product development, with an emphasis on innovation, waste reduction, ingredient management, food and packaging sourcing, efficient production methods, analysis of product yields, and proper use of equipment. This position also supports department standards, recipe/spec compliance, portion control, quality control, and works directly with the companywide Food and Beverage Departments’ team leaders to ensure successful program support on a daily basis.

MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU’D DO

• Responsible for labeling, nutrifacts, and ingredient database.
• In partnership with other members of our PMG focusing in the areas of food and beverage , maintains proprietary and branded products and programs.
• Under the supervision of the Sr. Food and Beverage Director, and in partnership with other PMG members focusing in areas of food and beverage, creates and implements recipes, production education and quality control materials. Ensures recipe/product/program quality standards and accuracy between store locations.
• Participates in regular companywide Food and Beverage Departments’ management meetings that include information on new item selection and program presentations, latest trends, current sales/gross targets and holiday planning, and priorities for the companywide Food Service Departments.
• Assists as needed with coordinating the various product/program education and quality standards of the companywide Food and Beverage Departments’ management teams within our stores; also provides guidance and support within the Food and Beverage categories.
• Works with the Food and Beverage PMG team on item selection, product concept and ideation, Works directly with selected vendors on products developed for sale to Metropolitan Market.
• Manages the recipe costing, ingredient database, and alternate ingredient sourcing while adhering to the non-acceptable ingredient list.

Solicits recipe feedback from all store team leaders, makes improvements to production to simplify recipes, extend shelf life, reduce waste, recover products form other departments, and work toward more sustainably sourced packaging when possible

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Candidates will be selected from applicants having the best combination of the following qualifications:

• Proven ability to effectively delegate and follow-through in a timely manner.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Must have an infectious passion for great tasting, high quality food and a proven ability to engage and create excitement with team members.
• The ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and produce quality output while working within deadlines is a must; sense of urgency required.
• A proven ability to interact and perform all job responsibilities with professionalism and confidentiality is essential.
• Demonstrates a high-level of self-motivation; takes initiative and successfully problem solves.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates a strong knowledge and understanding of Food and Beverage Department product development requirements, including project management, ingredients, applications, and culinary skills.
• Able to create, develop, and execute product education for team members within budget provisions.
• Two year supervisory experience in a food service environment preferred.
• Proven ability to positively affect sales, and manage profit and loss.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Career development opportunities
• Company-funded disability and life insurance
• 20% team member discount
• Reduced cost ORCA Card program for King County team members
• Paid vacation, personal, and holiday time off
• Sick/safe leave provided consistent with local and state requirements
• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, vision insurance (very low cost to team members
• Health savings accounts (subject to qualified medical plans)
• Flexible spending arrangements (subject to qualified medical plans)
• Retirement plans available to all team members
• Wage/salary range: $71,500 - $92,000
• Employee Assistance Program available to all team members
• Education support

The specific programs and options available to any given team member are dependent upon eligibility factors such as position, date of hire, work location, and terms of applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): It is the policy of Metropolitan Market, LLC that all employees and applicants be afforded equal opportunities in employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender identity and gender stereotypes), national origin, religion, disability, or retaliation for engaging in an EEO protected activity. The Company prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any of these categories, as well as on age, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a parent, military service, or any other bases protected under applicable local, state, or federal law.