Inventory Planner, Produce & Floral

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.
• Compiles promotions and communicates quantities to vendors, documents accurate costs on POs, and implements new item process.
• Works directly with suppliers to source products, strengthen overall product mix, and expand product program.

Key job responsibilities

• Executes assigned commodity purchasing plan.
• Oversees procurement and shipment of Produce/Floral items to Whole Foods Distribution Centers.
• Upholds quality standards and product specifications on an assigned commodity group.
• Works with vendor partners to clarify performance expectations, identify potential issues and develop effective resolution strategies.
• Accurately prices purchase orders.
• Provides consistent market updates and analysis to the Perishable Merchandising team.
• Networks constantly to identify and nurture relationships with suppliers.
• Serves as resource for multiple stakeholders both internal and external.
• PARTNERS WITH THE LOGISTICS TEAM TO ENSURE ON-TIME ARRIVAL TO OUR DISTRIBUTION CENTERS.
• COVERS FOR OTHER COMMODITY GROUPS WITHIN THE TEAM AS NEEDED.
• ANALYZES AVAILABLE SUPPLY VS NETWORK WIDE DEMAND.
• PARTNERS WITH RETAIL VENDOR MANAGERS TO EXECUTE PLANNED ASSORTMENT, PURCHASING AGREEMENTS AND PROGRAMS.

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.
• Create spreadsheets, charts and reports that contain relevant projections and performance data that can be clearly understood by diverse audiences.
• Possess clear understanding of WFM and supported region / stores business objectives.
• Has passion for Organics, Fair Trade and the Natural Foods industry.
• Applies a customer-focused sensibility when analyzing business prospects and/or performing ongoing work activities.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications

• BA/BS degree and 2-4 years’ relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience with MS Office Professional Suite, including intermediate knowledge of Excel.
• Experience in stakeholder and communication management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the WFM product mix, supply base and retail operations.