Central Market, Senior Director Human Resources

Overview

Central Market is a specialty grocery that started in Austin, Texas in 1994, and has grown to multiple locations across the state. What makes Central Market one of the freshest markets in the country - Try a sumptuous selection of everything edible, for starters. We go straight to the source to bring you the finest food and drink the world has to offer. With hundreds of cheeses, thousands of wines, acres of produce, and aisles of experts, Central Market is a foodie’s wonderland. Our commitment beyond the plate is another reason we’re a cut above. We believe food is a way of uniting families and communities, of preserving cultures, and of starting new traditions. Each of our stores is a market in the truest sense and is a place to exchange goods, services, and ideas for those really into food.

Job Description

The Senior Director of Human Resources (HR) will work closely with Central Market (CM) leadership and Store Operations teams to shape the organization’s HR strategy, anticipating trends and bringing strong understanding of business and Partner requirements in stores, field teams, and shared services. The position collaborates across business segments to assure best practices in HR are identified, shared, and aligned with the company’s short- and long-term objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the Central Market Leadership Team, seamlessly aligning business objectives with people strategies while providing valuable insights through an HR-focused lens.
• Drive workforce planning, leadership development, and succession strategies to cultivate a robust talent pipeline while fostering internal growth through strategic career progression and development initiatives.
• Develop and implement HR strategies that ensure the organization attracts, retains, and develops top talent.
• Drive effective communication of HR strategy across diverse audiences, ensuring clarity at every level while fostering trust, transparency, and meaningful relationships.
• Lead, develop, and mentor HR professionals to function as strategic business partners, cultivating a high-performance team through structured mentorship, personalized coaching, and meaningful development opportunities that drive organizational success.
• Lead teams through transitions by articulating the purpose and benefits of change, ensuring alignment, engagement, and success adaptation.
• Foster a positive workplace culture by addressing employee concerns and ensuring fair conflict resolution.
• Demonstrate unwavering integrity, professionalism, and discretion in managing confidential matters.
• Leverage data-driven insights to inform strategic HR decisions, identifying workforce trends and patterns that shape talent outcomes.
• Develop and track key performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of HR initiatives, translating findings into actionable strategies.
• Ensure adherence to labor laws, company policies, and industry regulations while mitigating risks related to employment practices.

Skills and Experience:

• 10 years of experience in Human Resources or a specific HR specialty, with at least 5 years in a leadership role - preferably in retail, grocery, or hospitality industries.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) is preferred.
• A keen interest in food culture, trends, and creating extraordinary customer experiences.
• Ability to react under pressure, use good judgment in ambiguous situations, and be flexible/ adaptable.
• Strong understanding of HR systems, payroll, benefits and compliance
• Collaborative, approachable and visible
• Experience leading or working closely with a Talent Acquisition Team
• Excellent verbal / written communication and presentation skills
• Advanced leadership skills
• Advanced conflict resolution, mediation, and engagement skills
• Ability to foster teamwork and nurture collaborative relationships
• Ability to identify with / orient to customers, clients, and senior leaders
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, and create data-driven plans
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and concurrent deadlines; attention to detail
• Proficient in collaborative coaching and empowering skills
• Proven self-starter with demonstrated ability to make decisions

Why Central Market?

• Be part of a high-energy, forward-thinking brand that’s changing the way people experience food shopping.
• Join a team of passionate, like-minded individuals who share a love for food and a commitment to excellence in customer service.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including discounts on gourmet products, health benefits, and opportunities for career development and growth.
• A company culture that supports work-life balance, celebrates diversity, and encourages innovation.

If you are an HR leader who shares our passion for food and believes in the power of exceptional culinary experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we’ll continue to build a grocery experience that leaves a lasting impression and sets a new standard for what’s possible in food retail.