Category Merchandising Analyst

Whole Foods Market; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the natural foods industry is seeking a detail-oriented individual to support category goals and strategies in their produce & floral department. This role requires strong planning, execution skills, and collaboration with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a passion for organics and quality standards, along with experience in category management. The position is based in London, requiring in-office presence five days a week.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years’ relevant experience or equivalent education.
• Ability to read financial reports and assess business trends.

Responsibilities

• Supports category and merchandising strategy development.
• Engages with stakeholders to translate plans into execution.
• Performs data analysis and reporting.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Team player

Strong planning and execution

Communication

Analytical curiosity

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Retail software solutions

Job description

Develops category goals & strategies and product assortments through the lens of our core customer, ensuring a strong mix of national brand product relevance, best-in-class local product relevance, and best-in-class private label product relevance - distinguishing Whole Foods Market from our competition. Responsible for business financial performance, developing strategies that drive profitable sales through data-rich, customer-centric assortment selection, product development, pricing, presentation, and promotion. Collaborates and works closely with Merchandising Planning, Merchandise Operations, Procurement, Distribution, Quality Assurance, Marketing, Regional Leadership, and our Suppliers to most effectively deliver on category goals and strategies. This role is based in London, UK, with an expectation of being in the office 5 days a week.

Responsibilities

1. Supports category, merchandising, promotional, and pricing strategy development, analysis, and execution for the produce & floral department.
2. Supports category assortment planning, including supplier line reviews, assortment analysis, stakeholder collaboration, item planning, and forecasting.
3. With guidance, engages with support team and other stakeholders to translate assortment plans into merchandising plans and help with project execution.
4. Plans and executes logistics for key events including supplier line reviews, supplier meetings, sampling events, etc.
5. Maintains list of supplier contacts and supports supplier communication as needed (e.g., weekly conference call setup, meeting/call notes and recaps).
6. Maintains and updates appropriate system(s) content and helps with other documentation and reporting as assigned.
7. Facilitates information sharing between all applicable stakeholders.
8. Supports testing development, execution, and analysis as directed.
9. Assists with category reset and revisions processes, promotional support, samples, and sample room maintenance, and with data management as needed.
10. Performs and/or assists with data analysis and reporting.
11. May own the process for a category insights and strategy presentation.
12. May assist in project management of new product development lifecycle (Ideation - RFP – BA - Launch).
13. Performs other duties as assigned.
14. Supports team efforts to develop category vision that is:

• Grounded in customer-centric data,
• Supports higher-level objectives, and
• Encompasses a breadth of forward-looking insight.

Supports leadership and works closely with team leaders on assigned work.

Seeks guidance and support as required.

Is accountable for positively impacting team collaboration and group effectiveness.

Skills

• Detail-oriented with strong planning and execution skills.
• Team player with a positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and in a group.
• Ability to deal effectively and comfortably with various stakeholders.
• Familiarity with retail software solutions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Passion for Organics, Fair Trade, Quality Standards, and the Natural Foods industry.
• Strong skills utilizing Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiar with category management and/or EB Product Lifecycle concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Demonstrates intellectual and analytical curiosity.
• Able to read financial reports, spot business trends, and assess underlying drivers of results.
• Familiar with financial goals and guidelines.
• Demonstrates a desire for continuous learning and sharpening this skill.
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and listening.
• Understands the necessity of tailoring communication to meet audience needs.

Education & Experience

• BA/BS degree and 2-4 years’ relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.