Category Merchant Manager, Bakery — Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market is seeking a dynamic Category Merchant Manager to support our Bakery categories in Austin, TX. Are you a data-driven strategist with a passion for innovative, customer-centric product development? Join our Bakery team and drive category strategy, profitability, and customer satisfaction across one of our most creative and high-visibility departments. In this role, you'll develop category goals, strategies, and assortments tailored to our customers. You'll collaborate cross-functionally to execute category resets, manage supplier relationships, and deliver business results through data-rich, customer-centric product selection, pricing, presentation, and promotion. You'll contribute to a team responsible for customer favorites like Berry Chantilly Cakes, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, and an ever-evolving lineup of artisan breads and seasonal offerings Key job responsibilities • Strategize & Innovate: Create data-driven, customer-centric category strategies leveraging customer insights, market trends, and competitive analysis. • Drive Financial Performance: Take ownership of P&L for your categories. Develop and execute seasonal and annual strategies aligned with business goals. • Curate Assortments: Collaborate with suppliers to bring the best products to our stores and online channels. Lead line reviews, assortment planning, and item forecasting. • Pricing & Promotion: Shape pricing strategies that balance profitability with customer value. Partner with marketing to support impactful promotional events. • Supplier Relationships: Build and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers. Negotiate for early access to new products, exclusive items, and competitive costs. • Item Management: Maintain accurate item-level data in partnership with support teams, adhering to regulatory compliance standards. • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Merchandising Planning, Operations, Procurement, and other teams to ensure smooth execution of category goals. • Analyze & Adapt: Monitor category performance and adapt strategies based on data insights. Lead testing initiatives to continuously improve offerings. • Brand Advocacy: Represent and promote Whole Foods Market brand values, products, and mission as a trusted representative internally and externally.