Sr. Category Merchant Manager, Whole Foods Market, Supplier Engagement

Description

At Amazon Worldwide Grocery Stores through Whole Foods Market, we’re more than a grocery store — we’re a mission‑driven community focused on nourishing people and the planet. As our Sr. Category Merchant Manager, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of food by turning supplier relationships into meaningful, long‑term partnerships that are rooted in shared values and mutual growth.

In this high‑impact role, you'll lead strategic negotiations with our most important suppliers, distributors, and third‑party vendors moving beyond transactions to cultivate transformational alliances. From joint business planning and purpose‑aligned top‑to‑top sessions to data‑driven cost negotiations and innovative promotional strategies, you’ll ensure every conversation advances value for our customers, our partners, and our planet.

This position is located in Austin, TX with the expectation of being onsite 5 days a week.

• Conducting annual supplier tiering exercise to identify and develop strategic partnerships
• Creating and executing annual partner engagement roadmaps with clear ROI metrics
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders across the organization
• Developing and implementing strategic initiatives to drive profitability and business growth

• Analyzing and optimizing supplier funding collections to maximize profitability
• Managing P&L impacts of partnership initiatives
• Tracking and reporting financial value creation from partnerships
• Identifying cost‑saving opportunities through strategic negotiations

• Leading and facilitating key partnership processes including:
• Joint Business Planning
• Top to Top meetings
• Innovation meetings
• Strategic negotiations
• Creating and executing annual supplier communication strategies
• Developing best practices for collaborative engagement
• Coaching category merchants on partnership and negotiation strategies

• Strong understanding of negotiation frameworks and collaborative approaches
• Ability to identify mutual gains and create value‑driven solutions
• Excellence in strategic questioning and active listening
• Effective communication and messaging skills
• Understanding of leverage points and their appropriate use

• Deep understanding of P&L management and financial metrics
• Ability to identify and execute profit‑driving initiatives
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate business opportunities
• Understanding of supplier and distributor business models
• Capability to align partnership strategies with financial goals

• Design and lead effective cross‑functional meetings and processes
• Drive collaborative problem‑solving and innovation
• Ensure accountability and follow‑through on commitments
• Build consensus and maintain productive relationships
• Document and track outcomes and action items

• Identify and overcome business challenges
• Develop solutions that maximize value for Merchandising
• Balance competing priorities and interests
• Drive profitable growth through strategic thinking

• 5+ years of business development, account management, product management, project management, financial analysis and/or marketing experience
• Experience in business development, account management, product management, project management, financial analysis and/or marketing

• Experience with strong project management skills and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment
• Experience positioning and selling innovative solutions to new and existing customers and market segments

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit…