Culinary Assistant

Company Overview:

At Whole Foods Market, a career is more than just the work you do—it's about personal growth and creating meaningful change. Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet by improving how people eat, funding school gardens, increasing access to fresh food, and alleviating poverty in developing countries. As a Culinary Assistant, you will contribute to setting the standards of excellence and revolutionizing the grocery industry while making a difference within your community and beyond.

Role and Responsibilities:

As a Culinary Assistant, you will provide support as a member of the Prepared Foods team, focusing on food preparation, customer service, sanitation, and product stocking. You will play an important role in ensuring a positive company image by delivering friendly, efficient service and supporting Whole Foods Market's core values.

• Cut, prepare, and serve hot and cold foods such as meats, cheeses, sandwiches, burritos, wraps, salads, and pizza.
• Provide product samples to customers.
• Stock hot and cold cases and displays with prepared foods from kitchen and storage areas.
• Check product dates to ensure freshness and rotate stock as needed.
• Assist Team Leader with organizing and displaying seasonal or high-volume items.
• Complete spoilage, sampling, temperature, and sweep worksheets as required.
• Participate in inventory checks as assigned.
• Provide excellent customer service and model suggestive selling techniques.
• Maximize sales potential by following procedures for prepping, storing, rotating, and merchandising products.
• Follow all health, sanitation, Weights and Measures, and safety standards.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe working environment, including equipment care.
• Perform opening, mid-shift, and closing duties, ensuring accuracy of signs and pricing.
• Report safety hazards or violations immediately.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Ability to sell proactively and provide excellent customer service.
• Basic product knowledge within the department.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective time management with the ability to follow directions and procedures.
• Strong communication skills and teamwork mindset.
• Passion for natural foods and Whole Foods Market's mission.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
• Understanding and compliance with Whole Foods Market quality goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• No prior retail experience required.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Hourly wage range: $16.00 $25.40, commensurate with experience (based on a 40-hour week).
• Eligibility for a base rate increase after the first 90 days of employment for qualifying new hires.
• Whole Benefits program may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, paid time off, store discounts, and additional programs.

About Whole Foods Market:

Whole Foods Market is committed to fair and equal employment opportunities for all Team Members and candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. We hire and promote based on qualifications and business needs. Our culture emphasizes teamwork, career growth, and living our core values while creating meaningful change in the grocery industry. Join us and be part of a community that nourishes people and the planet.