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. Partners and works closely with Merchandising Planning, Merchandise Operations, Procurement, Distribution, Quality Assurance, Marketing, Regional Leadership, and our Suppliers to most effectively deliver on category goals and strategies. Key job responsibilities o Responsible for the financial performance of an assigned category or category area through strategy and planning. Analyzes category performance, trends, and competitive assortment and pricing. o Develops category strategy for categories based on financial expectations, category role, category performance, customer and product trends, competitive landscape and WFM differentiators. o Develops and executes category assortment plan including supplier line reviews, assortment analysis, internal stakeholder collaboration, item planning and forecasting. o Selects regional assortment consistent with category and strategy. o Contributes to category price strategy development and helps ensure development of financially sound and value adding pricing tactics. o Works with suppliers / vendors to obtain information about new trends and products, potential new items, competitor practices, and other factors that may impact category analysis and planning. o Works to ensure effective integration of branded / exclusive programs into overall category strategies. o Engages with suppliers to ensure early insight into trends and products; early and exclusive access to new items; differentiated products, merchandising and promotions and competitive costs. o Leverages data-driven analyses and insights to support / lead negotiations with current and potential suppliers. o Works with business partners to identify, develop, and implement meaningful and measurable testing opportunities. o Translates and analyzes complex data, ensuring timely and effective communication with all levels of the organization. o Documents learning history for company-wide application o Communicates and collaborates with key cross-functional stakeholders to co-lead program / project development and ensure effective execution. o Supports and ensures effective alignment with supply chain / logistics activities. Skills o Knowledge of retail business, including all aspects of pricing, merchandising, retail operations, and financial analysis and reporting. o Comfortable working cross-functionally and across geographies where results are based on cooperation with and influence of others. o Solid change management skills demonstrate flexibility to perform in a dynamic environment. o Creative problem-solving skills, maturity to handle ambiguity. o Ability to multitask across projects simultaneously. o Ability to work well and fast under pressure. o Well-versed in the implementation and use of various retail software solutions. o Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications. o CM: Builds Category Management skill set and proficiency. o EB: Builds EB New Product Development & Management skill set and proficiency. o Makes item decisions independently but may leverage team leader for final call on key decisions. o Proficient in pulling financial reports, analyzing business trends and assessing underlying drivers of results. o Understands financial goals and guidelines. o Able to compare business to established targets, develop plans, quantify initiatives and monitor progress. o Assesses audience needs and clearly communicates in both written and verbal mediums. o Able to hold supplier meetings independently.