Central Market (Houston) Food Demo Tasting Specialist - Full time

About Central Market

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 is our sumptuous selection of everything edible. 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 true sense—a place to exchange goods, services, and ideas for those really into food.

Responsibilities

Provides a service to customers and demonstrates and sells product through educating customers in product uses and location. Works under direct supervision performing assigned demo tasks following established Food Safety and Standard Operating Procedures.

• Assist customers anywhere in the store with moderate to broad food knowledge.
• Promote sales through moderate to broad ingredient, food preparation, recipe, and product knowledge.
• Set up and manage demo or sample stations anywhere in the store, selling specific products following provided guidelines.
• Track and record ROI of manned stations.
• Use downtime to face shelves and keep the department clean.
• Help maintain sampling stations.
• Provide superior, proactive customer service.
• Use suggestive selling techniques to maximize sales.
• Educate customers in recipe suggestions, preparation methods, and cooking techniques for demo products.
• Assist customers in physical need of assistance.
• Answer customers' questions about products and explain merits to influence purchases.
• Demonstrate curiosity for food and explore current food trends through books, magazines, articles, cooking classes, and other avenues.
• Exhibit varied interest/knowledge in cooking, including knowledge of ingredients and preparation methods.
• Maintain food safety standards and sanitation in the department.

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 may be modified at any time based on business needs.

Requirements

• Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience in selling and/or customer service.
• Basic food knowledge and experience (required).
• Knowledge of pairings and flavor profiles and/or willingness to learn (required).
• Exhibit interest, knowledge, and ability in food preparation and cooking methods (required).
• Successfully complete the Foodie knowledge review annually (required).
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as weights, discounts, percentages, and volume (required).
• Food safety certification (preferred).
• Attend a minimum of 70% of all available on-site Vendor Training classes (required).

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Exposed to moving mechanical parts, small confined spaces, cleaning chemicals, and airborne particles.
• Moderate noise level.
• Lift moderately heavy loads up to 50 lbs. individually, with potential for heavier loads when team-lifting.
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and squat.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to push/pull heavy loads of 75 lbs.
• Frequent exposure to small, confined areas and a variety of cleaning chemicals.
• Fast-paced environment requiring long periods of standing and walking with moderate repetitive hand motions.