Sr, Category Manager

Amazon•Austin, TX

About The Position

At World Wide Grocery Stores (WWGS), a global retail organization dedicated to revolutionizing the grocery shopping experience through enhanced efficiency, quality, and affordability, we proudly support Whole Foods Market and other grocery initiatives across Amazon. Whole Foods Market is more than a grocery store — it's a mission-driven community focused on nourishing people and the planet. As our Senior Category 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 within the WWGS organization supporting Whole Foods Market, 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.

Requirements

Skills
Collaborative Negotiation and Partnering
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
Business and Financial Acumen
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
Facilitation and Leadership
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
Strategic Problem-Solving
Identify and overcome business challenges
Develop solutions that maximize value for all parties
Balance competing priorities and interests
Drive profitable growth through strategic thinking
- Bachelor's degree, or Bachelor of Arts degree
- Experience with P&L responsibility and delivering strong financial results
- Knowledge of Microsoft Excel (macros, pivots, lookups) at an advanced level
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with business partners
- 6+ years of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience

Nice To Haves

Previous Consulting, Merchandising, Sourcing Experience

Responsibilities

Strategic Partner Management
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
Financial Management
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
Partnership Development
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