The Assistant Category Merchant develops category goals & strategies and product assortments through the lens of our core customer, ensuring a strong mix of national brand product relevance, best-in-class local product relevance, and best-in-class private label product relevance - distinguishing Whole Foods Market from our competition. Responsible for business financial performance, developing strategies that drive profitable sales through data-rich, customer centric assortment selection, product development, pricing, presentation, and promotion. Collaborates and works closely with Merchandising Planning, Merchandise Operations, Procurement, Distribution, Quality Assurance, Marketing, Operations Leadership, and our Suppliers to most effectively deliver on category goals and strategies.
Key job responsibilities
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:
o Grounded in customer-centric data,
o Supports higher-level objectives, and
o 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 Animal Welfare, Organics, Fair Trade, Quality Standards and the Natural Foods industry.
• Strong skills utilizing Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiar with category management and/or Exclusive Brand 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.
- BS degree, or BA degree
- 2+ years of relevant work experience- Experience in Perishable categories within the food industry
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit
https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $48,300/year in our lowest geographic market up to $103,400/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit
https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.
