Assistant Category Merchant

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.

Responsibilities:

• Supports category, merchandising, promotional and pricing strategy development, analysis and execution.
• Supports category assortment planning, including supplier line reviews, assortment analysis, stakeholder collaboration, item planning and forecasting.
• With guidance, engages with support team and other stakeholders to translate assortment plans into merchandising plans and help with project execution.
• Plans and executes logistics for key events including supplier line reviews, supplier meetings, sampling events, etc.
• Maintains list of supplier contacts and supports supplier communication as needed (e.g. weekly conference call set up, meeting / call notes and recaps).
• Maintains and updates appropriate system(s) content and helps with other documentation and reporting as assigned.
• Facilitates information sharing between all applicable stakeholders.
• Supports testing development, execution, and analysis as directed.
• Assists with category reset and revisions processes, promotional support, samples and sample room maintenance and with data management as needed.
• Performs and/or assists with data analysis and reporting.
• May own the process for a category insights and strategy presentation.
• May assist in project management of new product development lifecycle (Ideation -  RFP – BA - Launch).
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Supports team efforts to develop category vision that is:
  • Grounded in customer-centric data,
  • Supports higher-level objectives, and
  • Encompasses a breadth of forward-looking insight.

• Supports leadership and works closely with team leaders on assigned work.
• Seeks guidance and support as required.
• Accountable for positively impacting team collaboration and group effectiveness.

Skills:

• Detail-oriented with strong planning and execution skills.
• Team player with a positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and in a group.
• Ability to deal effectively and comfortably with various stakeholders.
• Familiarity with retail software solutions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Passion for Organics, Fair Trade, Quality Standards and the Natural Foods industry.
• Strong skills utilizing Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiar with category management and/or EB Product Lifecycle concepts, practices and procedures.
• Demonstrates intellectual and analytical curiosity.
• Able to read financial reports, spot business trends and assess underlying drivers of results.
• Familiar with financial goals and guidelines.
• Demonstrates a desire for continuous learning and sharpening this skill.
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal and listening.
• Understands necessity of tailoring communication to meet audience needs.

Education & Experience:

• BA/BS degree and 2-4 years’ relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

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