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Director, Store Leadership

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 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

Central Market is always looking to connect with exceptional leadership talent across specialty grocery, fresh foods, culinary operations, merchandising, and customer experience.

We are building relationships with experienced leaders who are passionate about food, hospitality, innovation, and leading high-performing teams in dynamic retail environments.  This opportunity is designed for proven operators, merchants, and food leaders who thrive in highly experiential businesses where quality, culture, creativity, and execution all matter equally.

The ideal candidate brings a deep appreciation for food culture, strong business acumen, and the ability to lead large, complex teams while delivering extraordinary customer experiences.

What You’ll Influence

Depending on experience and background, leaders in this space may contribute across areas including:

Fresh & Perishable Operations

• Leading high-volume fresh departments with an uncompromising commitment to quality
• Driving innovation across Produce, Meat, Seafood, Bakery, Deli, Cheese, Floral, and Prepared Foods
• Building food-forward merchandising and seasonal strategies
• Developing strong operational disciplines around shrink, labor, food safety, and execution

Culinary & Food Service Leadership

• Elevating restaurant-quality food experiences inside retail
• Leading culinary teams focused on innovation, hospitality, and scratch-made quality
• Driving prepared foods, catering, coffee, beverage, and experiential dining programs
• Creating differentiated food experiences that inspire customer loyalty

Center Store & Specialty Merchandising

• Curating compelling assortments across grocery, beverage, wellness, and specialty categories
• Identifying trends, emerging brands, and evolving customer preferences
• Driving sales growth through storytelling, merchandising, and product discovery
• Balancing operational excellence with creativity and innovation

Leadership & Culture

• Building and developing high-performing teams and future leaders
• Creating environments where people feel inspired, challenged, and connected to the mission
• Leading with authenticity, accountability, and a customer-first mindset
• Partnering cross-functionally across operations, merchandising, culinary, and support teams

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience within specialty grocery, premium retail, hospitality, culinary, restaurant, or fresh food environments
• Experience leading large teams and complex business operations
• Strong financial, operational, and merchandising acumen
• Passion for food, hospitality, and customer experience
• Ability to influence across multiple functions and leadership levels
• High emotional intelligence and strong people leadership capability
• Proven ability to execute while continuously improving the customer experience

What Success Looks Like

• Teams are engaged, inspired, and performing at a high level
• Customers experience something differentiated every time they walk into the market
• Standards remain exceptionally high across quality, execution, and hospitality
• Innovation and operational discipline coexist successfully
• The business grows while preserving the unique culture and food-first identity that defines Central Market

This is not a traditional grocery leadership environment.

Central Market leaders are expected to think beyond transactions and operations.  We are looking for leaders who are deeply curious about food, passionate about people, and energized by creating experiences customers cannot find anywhere else.

If you see food as culture, retail as theater, and leadership as service, we would love to connect with you.