Job Description

Job Description Summary
A Product Specialist will order products for a specific area of the store, ensure minimal out of stocks, account for shrink, process product transfers and audit inventory levels. In particular, performs all functions related to perishable product ordering, maintaining planogram/schematic integrity, and support meeting financial targets through proper order and shrink controls. The Product Specialist will be responsible for all functions associated with incoming product for a specific assigned area at the store including inspecting, temping, organizing, counting and verifying weights of incoming products

• Responsibilities:

  •    Provide exceptional customer service and address needs of customers in a timely and effective manner. Follow all Whole Foods Market 365 guidelines.
  •    Perform all product ordering functions for assigned products, inspection, counting, temping, verifying weights and data entry by using IRMA. Maintain all applicable purchase order logs.
  •    Accurately record product transfers and shrink.
  •    Audit product inventory on a consistent basis and resolve rotation issues as they arise
  •    Ensure back of house areas are organized and ready for physical inventories. Assist in keeping the entire back of house areas clean and organized at all times.
  •    Participates in Period/Quarter/Year End Fiscal Inventory Process.
  •    Ensure and maintain adequate inventory to assist in maximizing sales and limiting shrink.
  •    Order product and maintain adequate inventory as needed, primarily for a specific area of the store (ex: Fresh Eats, Fruit & Veg, or Meat & Seafood).
  •    Order and maintain adequate inventory of packaging and supplies.
  •    Communicate all pertinent information to the team including leadership.
  •    Report any quality issues to store leadership & the CRAVE team immediately.
  •    Will be cross-trained to work in all departments as a Team Member, with a focus in the area of the store which you have specific purchasing responsibilities.
  •    Establish and maintain a collaborative and productive working relationship with Store Leadership, fellow Team Members, support partners, customers and vendors.
  •    Use courteous and proper phone etiquette when answering the phones and pages.
  •    Stay informed on all company and store level information and communications from Crave 365, regional and store leadership.
  •    Participate in all 365 programs for purchasing and promotions.
  •    Model Whole Foods Market 365 vision and goals.

  •    Follow established food safety, organics, and cleaning and maintenance guidelines and procedures. Resolve all hazards or violations immediately.
  •    Maintain comprehensive knowledge of and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory rules and standards, including: OSHA, Department of Labor, Health and Sanitation, FDA, Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  •    Work a variety of shifts including mornings, nights, weekends and holidays.
  •    Attend all meetings as assigned by Leadership.
  •    Perform all duties and responsibilities of a Team Members, as needed.
  •    Perform other duties as assigned by Leadership.
  •    Will report to Team Leader.

  Qualifications:

  •    Minimum of two years’ experience in a buying/purchasing role or equivalent. Prior retail experience is required.
  •    Basic computer and accounting skills, with experience using the Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to learn and use business systems such as IRMA on a regular basis.

  •    Proactive problem-solver with excellent follow-through and listening skills. Must be self-motivated and solution-oriented.
  •    Clear and effective communication style, both written and verbal including in correspondences, customer service and team member interactions.
  •    Thorough knowledge of products throughout the store or the ability to learn them quickly.
  •    Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
  •    Self-motivated and efficient with a strong ability to effectively prioritize and multi-task. Ability to complete tasks in a through and timely manner.
  •    Skilled in working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a strong ability to effectively prioritize, multi-task and maintain priorities and a high level of performance.
  •    Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with individuals in positions throughout various levels of the business.
  •    Ability and willingness to work in a changing and evolving environment.
  •    Demonstrates responsibility and accountability in recognizing and accomplishing all tasks where there is a direct job responsibility.
  •    Supports the 365 culture and is an example of Whole Foods Market’s Core Values.
  •    Proper use of, which may include but not limited to, knives, personal protective equipment, forklift,  pallet jacks, hand trucks, six wheel carts, baler (must be 18 years of age or older) and all other  equipment used during preparation and clean up within department and store.
  •    Ability to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the store, including morning, nights, weekends and holidays as required.
  •    Able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Additional Job Description

  Additional Job Description

  Essential Working Conditions:

  1.    Standing and walking for extended periods of time, up to 8-10 hours.
  2.    Bending, stooping, climbing.
  3.    Mental and physical dexterity.
  4.    Unassisted heavy lifting (minimum of 50 lbs.)
  5.    Assisted heavy lifting and pulling (100 lbs. or more)
  6.    Bend and twist neck and waist, reach above and below shoulders and squat.
  7.    Work in varying temperatures (coolers, freezers etc. when needed).
  8.    Wet and dry conditions.
  9.    Use of box cutters.
  10.    Use of electric pallet jacks or other heavy machinery. (Must be 18 years of age or older)
  11.    Use of ladders.
  12.    Repetition of duties.

The wage range for this position is $17.50 - $30.20 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers “Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire.

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.