Whole Foods Market is seeking a dynamic Category Merchant Manager to support our Bakery categories in Austin, TX.

Are you a data-driven strategist with a passion for innovative, customer-centric product development? Join our Bakery team and drive category strategy, profitability, and customer satisfaction across one of our most creative and high-visibility departments.

In this role, you'll develop category goals, strategies, and assortments tailored to our customers. You'll collaborate cross-functionally to execute category resets, manage supplier relationships, and deliver business results through data-rich, customer-centric product selection, pricing, presentation, and promotion.

You'll contribute to a team responsible for customer favorites like Berry Chantilly Cakes, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, and an ever-evolving lineup of artisan breads and seasonal offerings

Key job responsibilities
• Strategize & Innovate: Create data-driven, customer-centric category strategies leveraging customer insights, market trends, and competitive analysis.
• Drive Financial Performance: Take ownership of P&L for your categories. Develop and execute seasonal and annual strategies aligned with business goals.
• Curate Assortments: Collaborate with suppliers to bring the best products to our stores and online channels. Lead line reviews, assortment planning, and item forecasting.
• Pricing & Promotion: Shape pricing strategies that balance profitability with customer value. Partner with marketing to support impactful promotional events.
• Supplier Relationships: Build and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers. Negotiate for early access to new products, exclusive items, and competitive costs.
• Item Management: Maintain accurate item-level data in partnership with support teams, adhering to regulatory compliance standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Merchandising Planning, Operations, Procurement, and other teams to ensure smooth execution of category goals.
• Analyze & Adapt: Monitor category performance and adapt strategies based on data insights. Lead testing initiatives to continuously improve offerings.
• Brand Advocacy: Represent and promote Whole Foods Market brand values, products, and mission as a trusted representative internally and externally.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor's degree, or 4+ years of equivalent professional experience

- Experience doing one of several roles: quantitative/financial analysis, retail buying, retail planning & allocation, product/project management, pricing, marketing or e-commerce

- Knowledge of finance, accounting, business or related field focused on analytics

- Experience with computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

- Experience coordinating cross-functional inputs, meeting deadlines, and effectively managing competing priorities

- Experience in problem solving and delivering results

- Experience communicating clearly and concisely with leadership, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams

- Experience that includes strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience with product development in a complex multi component business

- Ability to travel (up to 25% of time) to visit suppliers and support regional teams

- Commitment to the highest level of customer service and a passion for excellent food

- Commitment to the principles and core values of Whole Foods Market

- Experience in food retail, especially perishable or prepared/deli categories

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, TX, AUSTIN - 73,400.00 - 128,400.00 USD annually