Sr Category Manager, Prepared Foods, Whole Foods Market

Description

• Leads the assigned Prepared Foods category(ies) strategy for Whole Foods Market. Provides single threaded ownership and oversight of the assigned categories within PFDS, including strategy development,

Description

• Leads the assigned Prepared Foods category(ies) strategy for Whole Foods Market. Provides single threaded ownership and oversight of the assigned categories within PFDS, including strategy development, innovation, definition and execution of marketplace differentiators, key supplier partnerships and team development. Responsible, in partnership with the rest of the PFDS Category team, for the financial performance of the PFDS department. Owns development of 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 other retailers Key job responsibilities Category Strategy & Financial Performance • Own the financial performance of assigned high-volume, complex, and financially significant PFDS categories, including pre-season strategy, in-season execution, and post-season analysis. • Develop category strategy based on financial expectations, category role, performance trends, customer insights, competitive landscape, and WFM differentiators. • Define metrics to measure team progress, customer experience, and operational excellence; conduct ongoing analysis of category performance, trends, and competitive positioning. • Set category price strategy and develop pricing tactics to achieve financial and customer objectives. Promotional Planning & Execution • Develop and execute assigned category promotional planning, including key promotional events and in-season adjustments based on sales performance and competitive dynamics. • Partner with applicable stakeholders to translate assortment plans into merchandising plans, planograms, and effective space planning. Supplier Partnerships & Vendor Management • Develop strategic relationships with key suppliers to ensure early insight into trends and products, exclusive access to new items, differentiated offerings, and competitive costs. • Lead an integrated approach with business partners in vendor negotiations and cost increase justifications. Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence • Drive change in the merchandising organization as WFM evolves to Category Management; partner with leadership to support organizational transformation. • Foster constructive dialogue, harmonize discordant views, and lead resolution of cross-functional conflicts to drive alignment. • Work with business partners to identify gaps in analytical processes and reporting; problem-solve to fill gaps and improve decision-making. • Serve as subject matter expert and thought leader within the category merchant organization for pricing and category analysis.

Basic Qualifications

• - Bachelor's degree or equivalent, or 8+ years of education or related field experience

Preferred Qualifications