Category Merchant, Frozen Seafood

Whole Foods Market•Austin, TX

11d•$66,700 - $148,400

About The Position

Whole Foods Market is seeking a dynamic category merchant to lead our Frozen Seafood category in Austin, TX. Are you a data-driven strategist with a passion for a fast paced and dynamic set of categories? Join our team as a Category Merchant and drive innovation, profitability, and customer satisfaction. In this crucial 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 get to contribute to a team that is leading the industry in advancing sustainability standards.

Requirements

Category Management Skill Set: Knowledge of retail business, including all aspects of pricing, merchandising, retail operations, labor impacts, negotiation, and financial analysis and reporting including new product development and management.
Analytical Skills: Proficient in pulling financial reports, analyzing business trends, and assessing underlying drivers of results.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Adept at learning new tools and systems.
Leadership & Collaboration: Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to influence outcomes in a complex, fast-paced environment.
Creativity & Problem-Solving: A creative mindset with a knack for solving problems and managing ambiguity. Ability to multitask and thrive under pressure.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences. Strong listening, empathy, and partnership skills to work cross-functionally and build trust.
BS degree, or BA degree
4+ years of relevant work experience
Experience with perishable items or in protein (Meat/Poultry/Seafood) categories.
Experience or Knowledge of seafood sustainability programs like Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, Marine Stewardship Council, and Aquaculture Stewardship Council.

Responsibilities

Strategize & Innovate: Create data-driven customer centric category strategies that leverage customer insights, market trends, and competitive analysis.
Drive Success: Take ownership of the financial performance for your category. Develop and execute pre-season strategies that align with our 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: Help shape pricing strategies that balance profitability with customer value. Work with marketing teams 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 that adhere to regulatory compliance.
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 our offerings.
Brand Advocacy. Consistently represent and promote our brand values, products and mission, acting as a trusted representative internally and externally.
Mentorship: Share your knowledge and experience by coaching new team members. Be a resource for the wider team on category management best practices.