Whole Foods Market
Senior Team Leader - Category Merchant (2 Year Contract)
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Senior Team Leader - Category Merchant (2 Year Contract)
Category Management & Merchandising Director (Global Account)
Provides leadership and oversight to the Category Management / Merchandising function, including strategy development, innovation, definition and execution of marketplace differentiators, key supplier partnerships, and team development. Responsible for the financial performance of the Category management / Merchandising function. Accountable for all Category Management / Merchandising strategic and operational decisions, including category management, purchasing, procurement, and retail operations.
Oversees team efforts to develop 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
- Best-in-class private label product relevance
— distinguishing Whole Foods Market from our competition.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Vision & Performance
- Accountable for the financial performance of high-volume, complex, and financially significant categories.
- Works with Category Management / Merchandising leadership to drive change and support Whole Foods Market (WFM) evolution towards Category Management.
- Develops category strategy grounded in:
- Financial expectations
- Category performance & trends
- Customer and product trends
- Competitive landscape
- WFM differentiators
Promotions & Price Strategy
- Plans and executes category promotional strategies, including key promotional events and real-time adjustments based on sales performance and competitive landscapes.
- Recommends (for Whole365 Exclusive Brands) or sets category price strategy and develops tactical pricing to achieve financial and customer objectives.
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Supplier Partnerships & Product Innovation
- Conducts ongoing analysis of category performance, trends, and competitive assortment/pricing.
- Develops strategic supplier relationships to secure:
- Early insight into new trends and products
- Exclusive first-access agreements
- Differentiated product visions for merchandising and promotions at competitive costs
Assortment & Operational Excellence
- Partners with stakeholders to translate assortment plans into merchandising plans and planograms.
- Collaborates across teams to integrate branded/exclusive programs into broader category strategies.
- Aligns space planning with marketing, merchandising, and program strategy.
Data & Process Improvement
- Identifies gaps in analytical processes and reporting, partnering with teams to implement solutions for cost-effective optimisation.
- Leads vendor negotiations and justifies cost increases, ensuring commercial excellence.
- Acts as a thought leader in pricing and category analysis.
Team Leadership & Development
- Provides strategic leadership to Team Members and Merchandising leaders.
- Ensures the financial accountability of designated categories via pre-season strategy and planning.
- Drives organisational change as WFM advances its Category Management initiatives.
- Coaches and develops Team Members for improved performance, career growth, and long-term retention.
Key Skills & Qualifications
Leadership & Strategic Mindset
- Proven ability to lead teams towards meeting goals, deadlines, and budgets with strong accountability.
- Ensures alignment between team objectives and organisation-wide vision, values, and business strategy.
- Adapts team services to business evolution and emerging needs.
- Engages in senior stakeholder relationships (internal and external) to drive strategic alignment.
- Identifies process gaps, formulates resolutions, and communicates insights compellingly.
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Business Acumen & Risk Assessment
- Translates overarching strategic objectives into actionable, data-driven plans.
- Proactively assesses risks/potential threats in:
- Process change
- Supply chain dynamics
- Customer trends
- Market shifts
- Collaborates cross-functionally to develop mitigation strategies and enhance long-term business sustainability.
Operations & Project Delivery
- Leads complex project planning, including budget, timeline, and resource allocation.
- Incorporates customer, partner, and company perspectives into strategic plans.
- Supports stakeholders to resolve issues, ensuring seamless execution and continuous improvement.
Education & Experience
- Minimum Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree (Relevant field preferred) or equivalent experience.
- 6–8 years in Category Management, Merchandising, or Supply Chain.
- 2–4 years of team leadership experience.
Compensation & Benefits
- Compensation: £70,600–£95,310 per annum (commensurate with experience).
- Whole Benefits:
- Store discount & Team Member perks.
- Paid Time Off, Financial Wellness & Health Support.
- Employee resources and wellness programs.
- Localised eligibility based on tenure, location, and role type.
Full details available here.
PLEASE NOTE: Only apply directly via Whole Food Market Careers Page.
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