Job Description

Are you passionate about redefining the way we experience food? Join Whole Foods Market as a Principal Program Execution Merchant, where your expertise will shape the future of our product assortments and category strategies. As a key player in our mission to deliver unparalleled quality and variety, you'll ensure our offerings stand out with a unique blend of national brands, exceptional local products, and our distinguished private label.

In this role, you'll drive business performance with a data-rich approach and a customer-first mindset. You’ll influence strategies that balance financial goals with innovative assortment selections, compelling pricing, and eye-catching presentation. Collaborate with a dynamic team spanning Merchandising Planning, Operations, Procurement, Marketing and Supply Chain, among others, to exceed category goals and set Whole Foods Market apart from the rest.

Location: Field-based

Responsibilities: 

• Identify program execution opportunities through data analysis, on-site store/competitor visits, and partnerships with Operators.  

• Develop and articulate solutions to program execution at a local level with Enterprise Merchants and Operations Partners 

• Translates and analyzes complex data, ensuring timely and effective communication with all levels of the organization. 

• Develop a localized category strategy based on financial expectations, the geographic availability of local products, customer and product trends, the competitive landscape, and WFM differentiators.  

• Works to ensure effective integration of local assortment into overall category strategies.  

• Foster existing relationships and seek out new local supplier partners. 

• Contributes to category price strategy development through an understanding of local marketplace and competitor pricing. 

• Works with suppliers to obtain or develop new trends and potential new items, competitor practices, promotions, and other factors that may impact category analysis and planning.  

• Analyzes local assortment performance, trends, and competitive landscape. 

• Uses analytics to define and drive the team and organization's goals.  

• Supports and positively influences/negotiates team financial goals, product mix, business relationships, innovation needs, and team culture.  

• Communicates and collaborates with key cross-functional stakeholders to co-lead program/project development and ensure effective execution.  

• May partner with inventory planning on forecasting and product logistics. 

• Leverages knowledge, experience, and refined instinct to engage with/influence leadership on local category vision development; ensures vision balances both customer and industry perspectives.  

• Ensures vision supports higher-level objectives and encompasses a breadth of forward-looking insight.  

Experience & Skills Required: 

• BA/BS degree and 4-6 years relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.  

• A proven track record of success in a Category Merchant, Buyer, or Analyst role or equivalent.  

• Ability to think critically and apply a creative approach to problem-solving.  

• Strong written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills.  

• Proficient in the Microsoft Office application suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc..) and the ability to learn new applications as needed.  

• Demonstrated interest or curiosity in developing expertise in the Meat, Seafood, and Produce industry, market trends, and product knowledge.  

• Ability to apply Whole Foods Market Core Values and Leadership Principles to daily work.  

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.

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