Whole Foods Market

Job Description

Whole Foods Market (WFM) is seeking a strategic and customer-obsessed procurement leader to oversee sourcing, cost optimization, purchasing, and supplier engagement for our Meat and Seafood categories. This role reports to the Vice President of Merchandising and plays a key part in shaping our commodity sourcing strategies- governed by our rigorous industry-leading ingredient and sourcing standards, developing internal talent, and strengthening supplier relationships. The ideal candidate has deep procurement and negotiation experience, a data-driven approach, strong alignment with our purpose to Nourish People and the Planet, and alignment to our Core Values and Leadership Principles. Leadership Philosophy: The role requires a transformational leader who can articulate a compelling vision and motivate others to deliver that vision while embodying our key leadership capabilities: purpose-driven authenticity, customer obsession, and mission-driven ownership. You will need to demonstrate emotional intelligence, earn trust through active listening and candid communication, and show a bias for action while maintaining sound judgment. Success in this role requires the ability to both empower and influence others, navigate ambiguity, leverage systems thinking, and maintain strategic and tactical agility. This position is located at the Store Support Office in Austin TX.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Influence and Category Growth

• Develop and articulate a compelling strategic vision of the future state of Meat and Seafood procurement
• Develop a long-term supply strategy, serving as the foundation for all work Procurement Buyers perform. Communicate the strategy across the organization and influence stakeholders to support and resource strategic initiatives.
• Support the development and execution of sourcing strategies that enable category growth through supply assurance, cost savings, sustainability, and innovation for Meat and Seafood.
• Provide oversight to commodity forecasting processes.
• Lead team in competitive RFP bidding process for key commodities.
• Use data and market intelligence to identify opportunities for improved supplier performance, product expansion, and sourcing efficiency.
• Contribute to the design of supplier programs that enhance product quality, availability, and overall customer value.

Leadership and Team Development:

• Provides leadership and oversight to Procurement leaders and teams.
• Provide clear direction, performance coaching, and development support to team members.
• Drive team ownership, accountability and alignment with business objectives.
• Builds a pipeline of talent, hires for all roles, develops those in role and supports Team Member growth and development.

Supplier and Stakeholder Partnerships

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure strategic alignment resulting in best in class product quality, innovation and stability of supply chain.
• Negotiate favorable terms and secure exclusive, high-quality Meat and Seafood products that align with both supply and merchandising strategies.
• Engage with key stakeholders across Whole Foods Market including Merchandising, Sourcing and Product Development (Owned Brands), Supply Chain, Marketing, PR, Quality Standards, Legal and Amazon. Align stakeholders to shared objectives.
• Prepare and manage various supplier and 3rd party contracts.

Operational Excellence:

• Drive consistency in procurement execution by implementing standardized sourcing processes, supplier onboarding practices, and contract management workflows.
• Assess and mitigate supply risks. Oversee supply and inventory management strategies that reduce waste, optimize stock levels, and maintain product freshness.
• Streamlines processes, enhances quality and improves overall operational excellence, leading to greater competitiveness and customer satisfaction.

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Monitor key performance metrics and lead team to adjust procurement tactics to meet financial targets.
• Develop and review performance data with suppliers to drive continuous improvement.
• Implement data driven processes to support decision making.
• Contribute to budget and forecast development aligned with strategic objectives.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree and 8+ years of experience in retail industry Procurement, Merchandising and/or Supply Chain roles OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 6 years of proven success in leadership of procurement, merchandising or supply chain management.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering results, specifically in driving sales growth and profitability in multiple categories.
• Deep knowledge of sourcing principles, contract negotiation, and vendor management.
• Familiarity with commodity markets and cost modeling.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.
• Experience working cross-functionally with merchandising, supply chain, operations, quality, and finance teams.
• Exceptional communication skills, with a strong strategic influence and the ability to write and present clear, compelling executive documents.
• Strong business acumen, with experience analyzing economic, financial, market, and industry trends to inform strategy and enhance organizational performance.
• Experience managing supplier relationships within an omni-channel or multi-unit retail environment
• High emotional intelligence and a demonstrated servant leadership approach.
• Skilled in identifying risk, improving process efficiency, and driving operational alignment
• Proven experience cultivating partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, peers, cross-functional partners, and vendors, to drive business objectives and foster collaboration across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change by driving organizational and cultural transformations, implementing new approaches, overcoming resistance, and achieving strategic goals.
• Established leadership presence with experience maintaining a poised, credible, and confident demeanor in high-pressure situations.
• Skilled in championing organizational decisions, managing stress, and adapting effectively to diverse roles and environments.
• Skilled in integrating data from multiple sources to identify critical issues and opportunities.
• Demonstrated strategic influence skills, with experience developing and executing influence strategies to gain commitment from stakeholders, present compelling cases for action, and drive alignment with business goals.
• Proven track record of building enterprise talent by developing and supporting team members' growth through targeted development plans, mentoring, and creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• This position is located at the Store Support Office in Austin TX.
• Ability to travel up to 40%

The wage range for this position is $142,038.00-$241,465.00 Annual, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire. For additional information, visit our Whole Foods Market Careers site: https://careers.wholefoodsmarket.com/benefits.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.