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 Summary: As a Food Service Specialist, you'll provide a well-stocked, well-maintained department while providing superior customer service. You'll prepare, package, and merchandise fresh product on a daily basis while maintaining all department and food safety / sanitation standards. You may specialize in a production area, such as a Tortilleria.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Customer Service:

• Proactively provides superior customer service
• Takes orders from customers by telephone or in person
• Answers customer questions regarding products; assists them with selections
• Works independently with minimal supervision

• Food Service / Production:

• Applies expertise / experience to prepare, package, and merchandise fresh product effectively; focuses on inspecting for quality
• Slices, packages, labels, rotates, and culls products for poor quality
• Assists in technical areas as needed (e.g., more difficult set-up and clean-up; operation of Tortilleria)

• Sales:

• Uses advanced selling techniques and advanced product knowledge and experience to meet customer needs and build department sales

• Food Safety:

• Cleans and sanitizes display cases
• Operates and maintains all / more complex equipment properly
• Complies with H-E-B food safety and sanitation standards
• Complies with department / Store operating procedures

• Additional Department-Specific Responsibilities:

• BAKERY:
• Records production and shrink to aid in production planning
• Assists in technical areas as needed (e.g., baking, frying, and decorating)
• Culls bakery products for poor quality, expiration dates

• DELI:

• Ensures service counter Customers are greeted and taken care of in a timely manner
• Manages Make Ready application (TMR) for e-Commerce orders throughout the day
• Uses Fresh Production Planner; ensures all inventory processes are complete and product
• is prepared in the quantities called for on the planner
• Performs inventory management processes (MSI, PAW) as required
• Assists in training other Partners
• If applicable, ensures catering orders are prepared and ready in time for Customer pickup
• Communicates product inventory concerns to the Lead or Manager
• Provides product demos and product education to Customers
• Ensures all sanitation and maintenance tasks for Deli slicers are followed

• PREPARED FOODS:

• Serves / packages products at customer's request
• Educates customers on preparation / reheating instructions of prepared foods
• Prepackages condiments (sauces, dressings) for prepared food items
• Cuts, slices, dices, chops, food in preparation for chef

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.

Qualifications & Key Requirements:

Work Experience:

1+ years Experience - Required

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of computer systems and equipment (e.g., PC, symbol, scales, label machine) - Required

Strong customer service skills - Required

Communication and interpersonal skills - Required

Reading and writing skills - Required

Planning and organizing skills - Required

Education:

HS Diploma or GED or equivalent - Required

Licenses/Certifications:

Completion of food safety and sanitation training, and training on equipment operation, cleaning, maintenance - Required

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

Function in a fast-paced, retail environment, in detailed and precise tasks

Work with Customers, staying attentive to their needs

Perform the following, based on your Department?
Bakery:
* Constantly reach at waist, grasp
* Frequently stand, walk, reach at shoulder, bend
* Occasionally sit, reach overhead, reach at knee, reach at floor, stoop, squat, crouch, kneel, stair climb, pivot, twist, push / pull with arms, pinch, perform fine motor movements, shoulder abduction
* Occasionally be exposed to wet, cold, hot conditions, loud noise
* Demonstrate the ability to lift 50 lbs, and manage in excess of 70 lbs

Deli:
* Constantly reach at waist, grasp
* Frequently stand, walk, stoop
* Occasionally reach overhead, reach at shoulder, reach at knee, reach at floor, bend, squat, crouch, kneel, stair climb, pivot, twist, push / pull with arms, pinch, perform fine motor movements
* Occasionally be exposed to wet, cold, hot conditions, loud noise
* Demonstrate the ability to lift 55 lbs, and manage in excess of 65 lbs

While there may be exceptions, the measurements noted are generally defined as--Constantly: 5.5+ hours per 8-hour day; Frequently: 2.5 - 5.5 hours per 8-hour day; Occasionally: 0 - 2.5 hours per 8-hour day

It is Partners' responsibility to never lift beyond their own safe lifting limit. If an item is too heavy to lift, push or pull, and / or carry, the Partner must break the box down into lighter, smaller, more manageable components, or ask for assistance from another Partner or a manager.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Partner encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Last revised: 8/1/2021