Cooking School Development Manager - Dallas

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall strategy for the cooking school program, focusing on profitability and brand enhancement.
• Create innovative cooking class programming that stays ahead of culinary trends and resonates with the targeted audience.
• Create compelling class content and materials, including recipes, instructional guides, and promotional materials.
• Build and maintain relationships with chefs, culinary experts, and influencers to enhance program credibility and visibility.
• Manage the fiscal responsibility for the cooking school division, including forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Make significant contributions to the brand of CM Cooking School.
• Make critical decisions regarding allocation of resources for the CM Cooking Schools.
• Collaborate with cooking school managers across our stores, providing guidance and support to optimize operations and to deliver exceptional class experiences.
• Develop marketing strategies to promote cooking classes, leveraging channels such as social media, influencers, and traditional marketing avenues.
• Lead training sessions and workshops for cooking school instructors to ensure consistent quality and innovation.
• Serve as informal or formal thought leader and mentor.

Qualifications & Key Requirements

• Expert individual contributor in a professional role. Creates overall Cooking School Strategy and receives direction in the form of broad outcomes and is expected to define project objectives and own final results.
• Recognized master who works on novel challenges, translating complex business and technical needs into objectives, plans, specifications, resources, short-term (1-3 years) strategic objectives, and long-term goals.
• Majority of time is spent developing and implementing new products, processes, standards, and/or operational plans. Performance has a long-term effect on the company's success.
• Coaches, directs, oversees, and/or reviews the work of lower-level professionals.
• Strategic advisor to senior leadership, consulting on solutions and strategic implementation of new initiatives with far-reaching impacts.
• Creates formal networks across the organization.
• Bachelor's degree or role-relevant experience required. 10+ years of relevant experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in culinary arts or a related field or role-relevant experience required; a culinary degree is preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in culinary education, culinary arts, or a related field preferred, with extensive knowledge of both global and local cuisine trends.
• Strong network within the culinary industry, particularly in Dallas and statewide, with the ability to engage local influencers and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and media relations.
• Experience in content creation and editing, with proficiency in managing digital platforms and social media channels.
• Experience in forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to drive results with a track record of success.
• Experience in food cost management, class profitability analysis, and KPI-driven performance metrics.
• Familiarity with digital marketing strategies, including engagement with social media personalities and influencers.
• Media experience, including press interviews, on-camera appearances, and brand representation.