Senior Merchandising Support Specialist-6 month Fixed Term Contract in City of London

Provides administrative, transactional and program execution support within the Merchandising function to launch the 6 new stores in the UK. Duties are varied but could include: setting up Store Business Units, supporting Network Planning schedules, processing invoices, making payments, researching data inconsistencies and handling ad-hoc requests. Ensures deliveries are monitored as to schedule, suitability and completion. Ensures effective planning, calendar management, company – supplier communication, and internal coordination.

Responsibilities

• Reports into the New Store Program Leader to support tasks and activities towards Program Launch.
• Takes ownership and plays a lead role in performing promo support duties and responsibilities.
• Ensures / validates complete and accurate processing of promo files prior to submission.
• Leverages understanding of marketing and billing processes to troubleshoot discrepancies and issues with both the Marketing and Billing teams.
• Troubleshoots issues with Excel files and application anomalies.
• Runs data audits to ensure accurate data alignment.
• Contributes to improving applications used by the purchasing team.
• Maintains positive and productive working relationships with suppliers and business partners.
• Assists in report generation for recurring and ad hoc reports.
• Provides backup support for Category Managers, Merchandising Assistants, Marketing Team and other WFM Team Members.
• Prepares documentation and reports for cross-functional teams (i.e. Accounting).
• Recognizes gaps in promo processes and recommends actions to improve.
• Works with Category Merchant Team Members to ensure data and information are collected, processed and completed on time and as per requirements.
• Handles higher-level specialist activity.
• Works closely with Team Members, customers and partners to understand process-related issues and develop effective solutions.
• Responds to stakeholder inquiries by researching, addressing, and resolving identified issues.
• Researches and provides data for internal and external audits as required.
• Trains and mentors new Team Members and other specialists.

Skills

• Understands procurement and related accounting-type administrative support.
• Strong scanning and validation software abilities.
• Strong ability to use standard business software such as Word and Excel.
• Ability to perform business math.
• Proficient in data presentation including charts and pivot tables.
• Experience with data analysis tools.
• Good math, reading, analytical, and deductive / inductive reasoning skills.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from buyers, business partners, customers, and the general public.
• Solid ability to write and proof-read reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Able to build win-win partnerships with other teams at the Global and Regional level, with stores and with suppliers.
• Models excellent customer service skills.
• Able to work independently and in a group.
• Work priorities are set according to pre-determined deadlines.
• Applies knowledge and experience to organize and complete assignments.
• Solves problems using well-understood methods and technologies, refers complex or sensitive issues to higher levels.
• Works on assignments that are semi-routine or moderately complex in nature, recognizing the need for occasional deviation from standard practice.
• Follows standard data and situational analysis practices and procedures.
• Evaluates and resolves issues using knowledge of what information to collect and where to find it.
• Understands the WFM organizational structure, associated hierarchy and approval levels.
• Understands the types and timing of various departmental deadlines and events.
• Understands how the specialist role contributes to and facilitates Team Member, team, leader and business success.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma and 2-4 years’ relevant experience.
• Associates degree, technical college or some college course work preferred.

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended any time at the sole discretion of Whole Foods Market.