About the role
Whole Foods Market is seeking a dynamic category merchant to lead our Smoked, Cooked, and Cured Meat category in Austin, TX. <br/><br/>Are you a data-driven strategist with a passion for a fast paced and dynamic set of categories? Join our team and drive innovation, profitability, and customer satisfaction.<br/><br/>In this high visibility role, you'll develop category goals, strategies, and assortments tailored to our customers. You'll collaborate cross-functionally to execute category resets, manage supplier relationships, and deliver business results through data-rich, customer-centric product selection, pricing, presentation, and promotion. <br/><br/>You'll get to contribute to a team that is leading the industry in advancing sustainability standards, and drive innovation with suppliers. <br/><br/><br/>Key job responsibilities<br/>- Strategize & Innovate: Create data-driven customer centric category strategies that leverage customer insights, market trends, and competitive analysis.<br/>- Drive Success: Take ownership of the financial performance for your category. Develop and execute pre-season strategies that align with our business goals. <br/>- Curate Assortments: Collaborate with suppliers to bring the best products to our stores and online channels. Lead line reviews, assortment planning, and item forecasting. <br/>- Pricing & Promotion: Help shape pricing strategies that balance profitability with customer value. Work with marketing teams to support impactful promotional events. <br/>- Supplier Relationships: Build and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers. Negotiate for early access to new products, exclusive items, and competitive costs. <br/>- Item Management: Maintain accurate item level data in partnership with support teams that adhere to regulatory compliance. <br/>- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Merchandising Planning, Operations, Procurement, and other teams to ensure smooth execution of category goals. <br/>- Analyze & Adapt: Monitor category performance and adapt strategies based on data insights. Lead testing initiatives to continuously improve our offerings. <br/>- Brand Advocacy. Consistently represent and promote our brand values, products and mission, acting as a trusted representative internally and externally.<br/>- Mentorship: Share your knowledge and experience by coaching other team members.