The Bakery Culinary Product Developer will lead product research, development, and innovation initiatives for Whole Foods Market bakery category. This role will be responsible for developing new products from ideation through launch, ensuring adherence to quality standards while maintaining cost efficiency and food safety compliance. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of our bakery category while working with innovative products and technologies in a dynamic environment.This role is based in Austin, TX, with an expectation of being in the Store Support office 5 days a week.

SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPER / Culinary Bakery Projects

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead product development projects from concept to commercialization, including recipe development, testing, and optimization
• Conduct product research and competitive analysis to identify market trends and opportunities
• Develop and maintain product specifications, preparation instructions, and documentation
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including procurement, marketing, and quality assurance
• Lead product cuttings, benchmarking, and sensory evaluations
• Work with supplier partners on formulation development and first production management
• Ensure all products meet company quality standards and ingredient requirements
• Provide technical expertise in baking science and manufacturing processes
• Develop and validate cooking instructions and preparation methods

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 5+ years’ experience in bakery product development or related field
• Expert knowledge of baking science, techniques, and equipment
• Strong understanding of bakery manufacturing processes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with product development software and sensory evaluation tools
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and labeling requirements
• Strong project management and organizational skills

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of alternative diet baking (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
• Experience with sensory evaluation and consumer testing
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of market trends and competitive landscape

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work in various temperature environments
• May require occasional travel
• Flexible work schedule as needed

Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity 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. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.