Buyer in London

Responsible for procuring product from vendors at the lowest cost consistent with considerations of quality, reliability of source, and urgency of need. Studies market trends, interviews vendors, and recommends sources of supply. Works with various internal business and external partners to streamline how Whole Foods Market sources and transacts these items, focusing on partnership, transparency, integrity, and ease of procurement. Responsible for compiling promotions and communicating quantities to vendors, documenting accurate costs on POs, and implementing new item process. Works directly with suppliers to source products, strengthen overall product mix and expand product program.

Responsibilities

• Provides regional input to Category Manager on category strategy, including regional customer and product trends and the competitive landscape.
• Develops and executes category assortment plan, including supplier line reviews, assortment analysis, item planning and forecasting.
• Develops local category strategies within the context of the broader category strategy.
• Networks constantly to identify and nurture relationships with local suppliers.
• Collaborates with Foragers to source potential new local items / suppliers and serve as resource / advisor for local growers and producers.
• Partners with Space Management to translate regional assortment plan into a merchandising plan and store-level planograms.
• Develops and executes category promotional planning for region-only items, including planning and executing key promotional events and reacting in-season based on sales performance and the competitive landscape.
• Assists with and/or provides pricing strategy recommendations.
• Conducts ongoing analysis of region-only items and performance trends.
• Identifies region-only items with potential for expansion into other regions.
• Partners with support teams to ensure region-only execution.
• Partners with Product Coordinator to ensure effective and timely store communication regarding assortment, planogram, promotions, etc.
• Partners with Regional Marketing on marketing and promotional events.

Skills

• Understands and applies buyer / procurement concepts, principles and practices.
• Able to evaluate and certify suppliers and producers.
• Develops and applies buying / procurement practices that meet company and customer expectations, ensure quality and maximize savings and efficiencies.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal communication skills and high levels of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.
• Tailors communication approach to specific situations and audiences.
• Able to negotiate mutually beneficial supplier / producer arrangements, terms and conditions.
• Applies analytical skills to evaluate and interpret purchasing, procurement, contract, delivery, quality, pricing and other issues.
• Creates spreadsheets, charts and reports that contain relevant projections and performance data that can be clearly understood by diverse audiences.
• Possesses clear understanding of WFM’s and supported region / stores business objectives.
• Has passion for Organics, Fair Trade and the Natural Foods industry.
• Applies a customer-focused sensibility when analysing business prospects and / or performing ongoing work activities.
• Understands the WFM product mix, supply base and retail operations.
• Team-player with a positive attitude and comfortable with ambiguity.
• Works effectively with others, in groups, in cross-functional settings and with diverse stakeholders internally and externally.
• Adheres to the WFM principles and core values.
• Displays strong levels of customer service.

Education & Experience

• BA/BS degree and 2-4 years’ relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience in Beers, Wines and Spirits, Cheese and Deli categories preferable OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

The wage range for this position is £41,600.00-£70,720.00 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.