Job Description

Job Description Summary

Develops category goals & strategies and product assortments through the lens of our core customer, ensuring a strong mix of national brand product relevance, best-in-class local product relevance, and best-in-class private label product relevance - distinguishing Whole Foods Market from our competition. Responsible for business financial performance, developing strategies that drive profitable sales through data-rich, customer centric assortment selection, product development, pricing, presentation, and promotion. Collaborates and works closely with Merchandising Planning, Merchandise Operations, Procurement, Distribution, Quality Assurance, Marketing, Regional Leadership, and our Suppliers to most effectively deliver on category goals and strategies.

Job Description

This position is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the Whole Foods Market (WFM) community by developing dynamic programs designed to delight our customers. Responsible for both global and designated regional programming, assortment planning, promotional planning, operational tool development, and financial target realization for specific Coffee and Juice/Smoothie categories based on the overall category strategy. Partners with operations to ensure execution of the global program while maintaining local relevance. Collaborates with the procurement team, culinary team, and supplier partners to develop and execute meaningful programs. Supports the overall Coffee and Juice/Smoothie product mix, business relationships, innovation needs, team culture, and financial goals.

This position relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals with a wide degree of creativity, analytics, and latitude. Requires knowledge of program management, menu planning, margin and labor mix, food industry trends, ingredient seasonality, third-party production, food safety, and training material development/implementation.

This position is based in Austin Texas and must be in office a minimum of 3 days per week.

Responsibilities:

• Develops category strategy in concert with the executive leader, based on customer expectations, culinary viewpoint, category role and performance, product trends, competitive landscape, financial targets, and WFM differentiators
• Develops and executes category assortment plans and menus including seasonal focus, supplier line reviews, assortment analysis, and forecasting
• Creates merchandizing and execution guidance for new programs and products, including store-level planograms for customer-facing and team-member-facing venues
• Communicates program expectations, goals, and details to operations teams
• Partners with culinary and learning/development teams to create training for new programs
• Develops pricing tactics to reflect overall category strategy, including promotional planning, to drive sales and transactions
• Develops strategic relationships with key suppliers to ensure early insight to new trends, exclusive access to new ingredients, delicious and proprietary product development, and competitive costing
• Partners with global and operational support teams (such as data, finance, exclusive brands, and marketing) to ensure category execution and growth
• Work collaboratively within the overall culinary and hospitality team; understand and support team goals; engage cross-functionally and across categories to deliver on overall program strategy.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Skills:

• Passion for delicious food
• Experience with category strategy, planning and execution
• Deep knowledge of food industry trends, ingredient seasonality, and culinary techniques
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and deductive/inductive reasoning skills
• Ability to develop strategic plans utilizing consumer data and insights
• Strong financial acumen and history of positive financial results
• Working knowledge of industry terms, cost modeling and income statements
• Team player with a positive attitude
• A passion for organics, fair trade, quality standards, and the natural food industry
• Strong communication including written, verbal and listening skills
• Excellent Excel, Word, and Powerpoint skills
• Ability to handle confidential information

Education/Experience and Training:

• 4-year degree or equivalent experience
• 5 years of relevant retail coffee and juice/smoothie category management experience
• Background in managing complex projects and business relationships
• Extensive experience in program management – including menu planning and margin mix delivery
• History of effective training material development and implem