Assistant Category Merchant

As an Associate Category Merchant at Whole Foods Market, you'll support the development and execution of category strategies that drive profitable sales and meet the needs of our core customer. This includes assisting with assortment planning, pricing, promotions, product development, and supplier line reviews across national, local, and private label products. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams—such as Merchandising Planning, Procurement, Marketing, and Regional Leadership—to keep projects on track and ensure decisions are grounded in data and aligned with business goals. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to grow their merchandising skill set in a fast-paced retail environment.This role is based in Austin, TX, with an expectation of being in the Store Support office five days a week.

Responsibilities:

• Supports category, merchandising, promotional and pricing strategy development, analysis and execution.
• Supports category assortment planning, including supplier line reviews, assortment analysis, stakeholder collaboration, item planning and forecasting.
• With guidance, engages with support team and other stakeholders to translate assortment plans into merchandising plans and help with project execution.
• Plans and executes logistics for key events including supplier line reviews, supplier meetings, sampling events, etc.
• Maintains list of supplier contacts and supports supplier communication as needed (e.g. weekly conference call set up, meeting / call notes and recaps).
• Maintains and updates appropriate system(s) content and helps with other documentation and reporting as assigned.
• Facilitates information sharing between all applicable stakeholders.
• Supports testing development, execution, and analysis as directed.
• Assists with category reset and revisions processes, promotional support, samples and sample room maintenance and with data management as needed.
• Performs and/or assists with data analysis and reporting.
• May own the process for a category insights and strategy presentation.
• May assist in project management of new product development lifecycle (Ideation -  RFP – BA - Launch).
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Supports team efforts to develop category vision that is:
  • Grounded in customer-centric data,
  • Supports higher-level objectives, and
  • Encompasses a breadth of forward-looking insight.

• Supports leadership and works closely with team leaders on assigned work.
• Seeks guidance and support as required.
• Accountable for positively impacting team collaboration and group effectiveness.

Skills:

• Detail-oriented with strong planning and execution skills.
• Team player with a positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and in a group.
• Ability to deal effectively and comfortably with various stakeholders.
• Familiarity with retail software solutions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Passion for Organics, Fair Trade, Quality Standards and the Natural Foods industry.
• Strong skills utilizing Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiar with category management and/or EB Product Lifecycle concepts, practices and procedures.
• Demonstrates intellectual and analytical curiosity.
• Able to read financial reports, spot business trends and assess underlying drivers of results.
• Familiar with financial goals and guidelines.
• Demonstrates a desire for continuous learning and sharpening this skill.
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal and listening.
• Understands necessity of tailoring communication to meet audience needs.

Education & Experience:

• BA/BS degree and 2-4 years’ relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

The wage range for this position is $60,021.00-$102,036.00 Annual, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire. For additional information, visit our Whole Foods Market Careers site: https://careers.wholefoodsmarket.com/benefits.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.