Culinary Product Developer

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development for Whole Foods Market's Bakery categories, including Hearth Bread, Cakes, Cookies, and Pies.
• Drive the full product lifecycle from trend research and concept ideation through benchtop development and commercialization.
• Manage Holiday and Catering program development, including recipe optimization and maintaining accurate product specifications.
• Partner with cross-functional teams such as Sourcing, Marketing, and Quality Assurance to align product strategy and launch execution.
• Provide technical leadership to third-party suppliers during formulation development and production runs.
• Develop and validate cooking instructions, preparation methods, and operational procedures for consistent in-store execution.
• Conduct competitive analysis, market research, and sensory evaluations to identify emerging consumer trends.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in a professional bakery setting.
• Minimum of 3 years in R&D or culinary product development.
• Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Expert-level knowledge of baking science, including scratch bread, patisserie, and decorating techniques.
• Strong understanding of bakery manufacturing capabilities and food safety requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience communicating clearly and concisely with leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and meet strict deadlines.
• Deep passion for culinary craftsmanship and elevating the customer food experience.
• Ability to travel up to 25% and work flexible hours including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including standing for extended periods and lifting up to 50 lbs.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and Amazon package including restricted stock units (RSUs).
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision, and prescription).
• 401(k) matching and paid time off.
• Parental leave and various wellness supports including Mental Health Support and EAP.

About the Company

Amazon.com Services LLC supports Whole Foods Market's culinary innovation. Our team leads product development for Bakery, Holiday, and Catering for World Wide Grocery, working out of a specialized test kitchen near the Whole Foods Market global headquarters in Austin, Texas.