Robson Ranch Cooking Connection - Culinary Selling Lead

Responsibilities

Job Summary: As a Culinary Selling Lead, you'll lead selling activation events in the Cooking Connection kitchen while developing appropriate recipes targeted to the local Customer base using key focus items. You'll engage Customers by creating a hub of food experiences through your expertise and knowledge of multiple ingredients, beverage recommendations, and cooking techniques to drive sales and customer engagement. You'll also oversee, manage inventory, and train/develop Partners.

Store Lead Operations / Training:

• May serve as backup to Department Manager; typically works opposite shift to Manager; may serve as informal leader to other Connections Partners
• May make recommendations on hiring, promoting, rewarding, disciplining, and resolving Partner‑related matters
• Trains Partners; directs work; addresses complaints; resolves issues
• Influences department work schedule; ensures consistent and constant coverage for the kitchen and cart
• Assists Manager in maintaining a direct line of communication to all Connections Team Partners
• Assists Manager in setting daily, weekly, and period goals
• Ensures Partners read, understand, sign, and follow all required policies
• Monitors / manages communication using Partner Net, email, Showtime Event Scheduling System (SESS), Slack, meetings, etc.; assists with communication and follow through with Dept Managers and Store Leaders for all Connections selling event activities
• Reviews daily sales / additional reports to understand metrics of success
• Uses reporting tools to prepare / communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) and results to the Manager and Connections Team
• Influences event order quantity and delivery schedule to ensure all Connections selling event product quantities align with sales goals and timing
• Assists with event space planning / location in Store; ensures product displays are built and maintained
• Contributes to future event planning; shares insights related to food trends, restaurant experiences, and Customer's local preferences; suggests adjustments for stronger future performance
• Creates / maintains a Customer Experience calendar with in‑Store Cooking Classes, Wine Education, Dinners
• Builds / ensures production plans and their execution
• Performs back‑up or prep duties when needed

• Follows the customer service and hospitality model to connect with Customers, building a sense of community and driving loyalty
• Creates an atmosphere of celebration by participating in total Store events, creating themed recipes, and cross merchandising
• Welcomes / approaches Customers with the mindset of a host, catering to the needs of the Customer to ensure they feel welcomed, invited, and appreciated
• Offers advice for menu / meal planning; scales recipes in size and skill level depending on customer needs
• Conducts cooking method and recipe preparation demonstrations; executes food prep methods with high efficiency to maximize Customer interactions
• Offers engaging, consistent, and relevant culinary conversations on the microphone to attract Customers
• Serves as the expert in the day's recipes; answers culinary questions; recommends variations and substitute ingredients for food allergy or food lifestyle needs; adapts as needed to customer response, inventory changes, etc.
• Suggests distinctive alcoholic and non‑alcoholic beverage pairings
• Develops / maintains relationships with Customers by recalling dietary needs / restrictions and wine preferences to tailor future visits; applies expert observation skills and intuitive selling techniques
• Contributes culinary insights, food trends, local trends, and Customer insights to in-Store cooking events
• Develops recipes to support events and secures…