| Job Description: |
General Summary
Midwest Specialty Support Staff is looking for a Specialty Merchandiser responsible for store level Specialty and program execution. This includes the operational functions designed to support the department, product mix, pricing strategy, promotional plans, and merchandising directions. We are looking for a dynamic individual to support the teams, someone who will contribute to innovative merchandising, with a focus on driving Global and Regional programs. We are looking for a driven individual whose goal it is to be an Associate Coordinator and Coordinator in the future.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following (with other duties assigned as needed in support of the Midwest Specialty Support Staff or Whole Foods Market):
Qualifications:
- Partner in creating the best Specialty program in the company!
- Work in partnership with Midwest Specialty Support Staff, Distribution Center Cheese Replenishment Buyer, Specialty Data Specialists, and store Specialty teams in all Specialty operations
- Innovation (source, drive, implement, and demonstrate consistent execution on new and existing programs). Track financial viability of programs.
- Assist stores with analysis of product mix using category management to identify opportunities
- Work with Specialty TLs implementing regional and global programs, core mix, plan-o-grams, merchandising, and marketing programs in line with category plans;
- Provide expert product knowledge and support surrounding all sub-teams
- Be an active participant in the mentoring of all Specialty team members
- Keep informed of industry trends in the Specialty categories
- Review mystery shopping reports periodically and discuss opportunities with individual teams each month
- Help implement store level Specialty procedures and improve skills to increase sales, comps, margins, percent of store sales and improve overall department impact
- Understand, execute, and teach inventory management, margin control, sampling and spoilage control, sales building techniques, and customer service excellence
- Assist in developing and continuing formalized regional Specialty TL and ATL training programs
- Troubleshoot margin, labor, sampling/spoilage and sales challenges as determined by the Specialty Support Staff. Participate in inventories at store level as needed.
- Evaluate teams operational effectiveness and complete store visit recaps, with pictures, after each visit. Partner with Store Leadership in overall success of Specialty departments.
- Act as a liaison between regional support and stores.
- Participate in Specialty leadership interviews.
- Will partner with Specialty Support Staff and stores to implement the regional inclusionary process into our Specialty departments - involvement of the specialty teams in the decision making and driving our team forward.
- Act as project leader and execute resets, renovations, and store openings as needed
- Work with vendors to organize appropriate store level support
- Assist in design of new Specialty departments
- Develop and maintain excellent working relationship with store leadership and store specialty team members, as well as with the Midwest Specialty Support Staff
- Train and develop all specialty team members to comply with existing regional specialty merchandising standards as they relate to cheese, wine, beer, chocolate, candy, olives and coffee
- Provide exceptional customer service (internal and external)
- Drive fiscal responsibility within stores as it pertains to programs, margin and sales
- Practice safe use of all tools and equipment required by specialty team members
- Work with specialty team leadership and specialists to improve turns, inventory back stock, and sku selection. Teach and re-train category management.
- Spread passion, creativity, enthusiasm and fun throughout specialty teams in the Midwest region
Education and/or Experience
- A minimum one year Specialty Team Leadership experience or equivalent with proven financial and operational success, a high level or financial acumen, proven successful support of regional and global programs, and ability to problem solve financials at a high level
- Proven successful track record leading teams with strong merchandising and overall retail standards
- Strong product knowledge in the areas of cheese, wine, beer, chocolate, olives and coffee
- Support from current store leadership and Regional Support Staff/Regional Coordinator team
- Proven superior merchandising skills, with an ability to train and mentor the same in others
- Positive attitude, sense of humor, a passion for all Specialty products, a team player attitude, flexibility, BIG picture attitude and understanding
- Experience with re-sets, renovations/remodels and store openings
- Computer skills " Microsoft Office, with a high level of comfort using Excel, Share Point, Power Point, SMORE, IRMA, DVO and a willingness to learn new systems as needed
- A vision for the Midwest Specialty teams , and a desire to mentor Specialty team members and our future leaders
- Excellent communication skills, time management, emotional intelligence and organizational skills
- Detail oriented with exceptional follow through; solution oriented
- Ability to multi- task, meet ongoing deadlines, prioritize both multiple tasks and goals
- Self-motivated with a very flexible schedule
- Ability to travel, work overnight as needed - during store openings, remodels and resets
- Flexibility to travel in the US and abroad
- Ability to meet physical requirements of the job including: Standing or walking for extensive periods of time; ability to bend and lift objects up to 50 pounds
Language Skills
Ability to read a limited number of two- and three-syllable words and to recognize similarities and differences between words and between series of numbers. Ability to print and speak simple sentences.
Communication Skills
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of local currency and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have a strong working knowledge of Order processing systems; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.
Other Requirements
Capable of teaching others in a constructive and positive manner.
Excellent communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
Ability to sell proactively and communicate effectively with customers.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays as required.
Essential Job Functions:
- Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
- Bend and stoop to grasp objects and climb ladders. Bend and twist neck and waist, reach above and below shoulders and squat.
- Bend and lift loads, not to exceed 50 pounds. Push and pull carts weighing up to 100 pounds.
- Repetitive use of hands for grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation.
- Environmental exposure to extreme temperatures (coolers, ovens, freezer, outdoors, etc.)
About Us:
At Whole Foods Market, we empower our Team Members to make their own decisions, thus creating an environment where people are treated with respect and are highly motivated to excel. We mentor Team Members through education and on-the-job experience. As a result, we are able to fill a majority of leadership roles from our existing Team Member base. We also recognize that there are individuals with talent outside of Whole Foods Market, and have training programs to bring those new leaders into the company.
Our Team Members represent over 50 different nations. We are people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, yet all work together to meet the needs of our customers.
We offer great benefits beginning with a full complement of medical and other traditional group health plan coverage, 401k plan, and a 20% discount at our stores. To learn more, apply your passion today.
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