Prepared Foods Order Writer (Deli / Culinary - Buyer / Inventory Replenishment) - Full Time

Whole Foods Market • Sarasota, FL

21h • $18 - $30

About The Position

The Prepared Foods Order Writer orders, replenishes, and merchandises prepared foods products; participates in regional purchasing and promotional programs; monitors inventory; and helps organize promotional displays while maintaining OTS standards. The role supports a positive customer experience and must follow store and team procedures, Whole Foods Market core values and goals, applicable health and safety regulations, and departmental food-safety requirements. Team Members should also be prepared to perform duties inherent in other Team Member roles.

The position includes purchasing and replenishment, inventory and shrink control, vendor communication, recipe costing, customer special orders, and support for financial targets. It also involves customer service, product preparation and merchandising, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and completing opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned. The wage range is $17.50–$30.20 per hour, commensurate with experience. Whole Benefits may include a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health and wellness support programs, and other Team Member perks; eligibility varies by plan terms and individual circumstances.

Requirements

• Extensive product knowledge, including production, distribution, seasonal availability, advances, and trends.
• Ability to create and negotiate price bids.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn about products, nutritional information, and other areas of study.
• Working knowledge and application of Prepared Foods merchandising expectations.
• Complete understanding of the WFM margin program and profitability.
• Ability to educate the team on product knowledge and convey enthusiasm.
• Strong basic math skills.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and ordering systems.
• Strong to excellent communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate information clearly and respectfully to Team Members, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to meet customer service expectations and standards in interactions with customers, vendors, and Team Members.
• Ability to follow directions and procedures, with effective time-management and organization skills.
• Passion for natural foods and the mission of Whole Foods Market.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
• Understanding of and compliance with WFM quality goals.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand or walk 6–8 hours during an 8-hour workday.
• Ability to perform single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to bend, twist, squat, and reach.
• Ability to work in wet and dry conditions and around FDA-approved cleaning chemicals and temperatures below 32°F, between 32–40°F, and above 90°F.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to use knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery; may require use of ladders.

Nice To Haves

• 1+ years of buying/merchandising experience.

Responsibilities

• Purchase and replenish food for preparation using proper buying procedures.
• Monitor and act on open purchase order reports for purchases and credits accurately and promptly.
• Control spoilage and shrink, achieve turn goals, and participate in inventory.
• Complete spoilage, sampling, temperature, and sweep worksheets as required.
• Assist with counter service and cook as scheduled or needed.
• Communicate ordering needs and issues to the Kitchen Manager/Chef and Team Leader.
• Maintain positive working relationships with vendors.
• Work with the Team Leader or Assistant Team Leader(s) to cost recipes.
• Oversee the customer special-order procedure.
• Support leadership in conducting inventories.
• Meet and exceed purchasing and sales targets to maintain financial profitability.
• Arrive on time, appropriately groomed and dressed, and ready to work; work scheduled shifts and attend required trainings and meetings.
• Provide excellent customer service, address customer needs promptly and effectively, model suggestive selling, and answer phones and pages courteously.
• Maximize sales through effective preparation, storage, rotation, stocking, and merchandising procedures.
• Follow or ensure compliance with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
• Maintain or ensure maintenance of clean and sanitary working and shopping environments and maintain equipment to WFM cleanliness and safety standards.
• Perform assigned opening, mid, and closing duties and ensure signs and pricing are accurate.
• Immediately report safety hazards and violations.

Benefits

• Store discount, subject to Whole Benefits eligibility terms.
• Paid time off, subject to Whole Benefits eligibility terms.
• Financial wellness support, subject to Whole Benefits eligibility terms.
• Health and wellness support programs, subject to Whole Benefits eligibility terms.
• Access to other Team Member perks, subject to Whole Benefits eligibility terms.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed