Job DescriptionAre 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.

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.