Category Merchant Manager, Bakery — Whole Foods Market

Category Merchant Manager, Bakery — Whole Foods Market

Job :  |  Services LLC

Whole Foods Market is seeking a dynamic Category Merchant Manager to support our Bakery categories in Austin, TX.

Are you a data-driven strategist with a passion for innovative, customer-centric product development? Join our Bakery team and drive category strategy, profitability, and customer satisfaction across one of our most creative and high-visibility departments.

In this 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.

You'll contribute to a team responsible for customer favorites like Berry Chantilly Cakes, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, and an ever-evolving lineup of artisan breads and seasonal offerings.

• Strategize & Innovate:
  Create data-driven, customer-centric category strategies leveraging customer insights, market trends, and competitive analysis.
• Drive Financial Performance:
  Take ownership of P&L for your categories. Develop and execute seasonal and annual strategies aligned with business goals.
• Curate Assortments:
  Collaborate with suppliers to bring the best products to our stores and online channels. Lead line reviews, assortment planning, and item forecasting.
• Pricing & Promotion:
  Shape pricing strategies that balance profitability with customer value. Partner with marketing to support impactful promotional events.
• Supplier Relationships:
  Build and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers. Negotiate for early access to new products, exclusive items, and competitive costs.
• Item Management:
  Maintain accurate item-level data in partnership with support teams, adhering to regulatory compliance standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with Merchandising Planning, Operations, Procurement, and other teams to ensure smooth execution of category goals.
• Analyze & Adapt:
  Monitor category performance and adapt strategies based on data insights. Lead testing initiatives to continuously improve offerings.
• Brand Advocacy:
  Represent and promote Whole Foods Market brand values, products, and mission as a trusted representative internally and externally.

• Bachelor's degree, or 4+ years of equivalent professional experience
• Experience doing one of several roles: quantitative/financial analysis, retail buying, retail planning & allocation, product/project management, pricing, marketing or e-commerce
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, business or related field focused on analytics
• Experience with computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience coordinating cross-functional inputs, meeting deadlines, and effectively managing competing priorities
• Experience in problem solving and delivering results
• Experience communicating clearly and concisely with leadership, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams
• Experience that includes strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities

• Experience with product development in a complex multi component business
• Ability to travel (up to 25% of time) to visit suppliers and support regional teams
• Commitment to the highest level of customer service and a passion for excellent food
• Commitment to the principles and core values of Whole Foods Market
• Experience in food retail, especially perishable or prepared/deli categories

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

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