Prep Cook

Company Overview:

Whole Foods Market is more than just a grocery store—it's a place for personal growth and meaningful impact. Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet by improving how people eat, funding school garden grants, providing access to fresh and healthy food in food deserts, and alleviating poverty globally. Working with us means you make a difference in your community and beyond while helping set the standard of excellence in the grocery industry.

Role and Responsibilities:

As a Prep Cook, you will perform all functions related to proper food preparation and maintenance of the cold case, fresh pack, salad, and hot bars. You will ensure food quality and presentation while supporting stock management and sanitation standards.

• Prepare food items for the cold case, fresh pack, salad, and hot bars according to production sheets and recipes to ensure quality and consistency.
• Label, date, cover, monitor for quality and freshness, and rotate all prepared items.
• Monitor food levels and replenish in a timely manner.
• Arrive to your workstation on time, properly groomed, dressed, and ready to work; complete all scheduled shifts and attend required trainings and meetings.
• Provide excellent customer service, address customer needs promptly, model suggestive selling techniques, and answer phones and pages courteously.
• Maximize sales potential through proper prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising procedures.
• Follow and ensure compliance with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work and shopping environment; ensure equipment, walk-ins, and freezers meet cleanliness and safety standards.
• Perform opening, mid, and closing duties; ensure accuracy of signs and pricing.
• Report safety hazards and violations immediately.
• Perform other duties as assigned by store, regional, or national leadership.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Thorough product knowledge and ability to follow recipes.
• Understanding of food production and fundamental cooking techniques.
• Basic math skills.
• Strong communication skills and teamwork ability.
• Clear and respectful delivery of information to team members, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to meet customer service expectations in all interactions.
• Effective time management and organization skills.
• Passion for natural foods and alignment with Whole Foods Market's mission.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with urgency.
• Understanding and compliance with WFM quality goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6-12 months of retail experience.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Standing/walking 6-8 hours in an 8-hour workday.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling.
• Bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching motions required.
• Exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals and temperatures up to 90°F.
• Work in wet and dry conditions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Use of tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery; may require ladders.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Hourly wage range: $16.50-$30.20, commensurate with experience.
• Eligibility for Whole Benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, store discount, paid time off, and access to other benefit programs.

About Whole Foods Market:

Whole Foods Market fosters a culture of fairness, equality, and opportunity for all team members and candidates. We hire and promote individuals based solely on qualifications and business needs. By working here, you become part of a team dedicated to sustainability, quality, and community impact, while contributing to a culture that values diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning.