New Store - Produce Order Writer (Buyer / Inventory Replenishment) - Full Time - San Diego, California - Opening Late Summer 2026

About the Role

Orders, replenishes, and merchandises produce while participating in regional purchasing and promotional programs. Monitors inventory control and replenishes product based on Whole Foods Market (WFM) ordering standards. Assists in organizing and developing promotional displays and maintaining operational and team standards (OTS). Ensures a positive company image through courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and team members at all times.

Responsibilities

• Purchases and replenishes produce through proper buying procedures.
• Monitors and acts on open purchase order (PO) reports for both purchases and credits accurately and timely.
• Controls spoilage and shrink, achieves inventory turn goals, and participates in inventory processes.
• Completes spoilage, sampling, temperature, and sweep worksheets as required.
• Maximizes sales potential through effective stocking and merchandising procedures.
• Ensures timely and accurate product orders to monitor inventory turns.
• Oversees customer special order procedures.
• Analyzes and controls product transfers, waste, and spoilage.
• Supports leadership in conducting inventories and maintaining financial profitability by meeting purchasing and sales targets.
• Arrives on time, appropriately groomed, and ready to work; adheres to scheduled shifts, trainings, and meetings.
• Provides excellent customer service, addresses customer needs promptly, and models suggestive selling techniques.
• Follows established procedures, including weights and measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary working environment and ensures equipment meets WFM cleanliness and safety standards.
• Performs opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned; ensures accuracy of signs and pricing.
• Immediately reports safety hazards and violations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by store, regional, or national leadership.

Skills

• Extensive produce product knowledge, including production, distribution, seasonal availability, advances, and trends.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn about products, nutritional information, and related areas.
• Working knowledge of produce-related merchandising expectations.
• Desire to grow with the Produce team and ability to educate others on product knowledge.
• Strong basic math skills.
• Proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and ordering systems.
• Strong to excellent communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver information clearly and respectfully to team members, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to meet customer service expectations in all interactions.
• Effective time management, organization, and ability to follow directions and procedures.
• Passion for natural foods and the mission of Whole Foods Market.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
• Understanding of and compliance with WFM quality goals.

Qualifications

• 12+ months of retail experience.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• In an 8-hour workday: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling.
• Work requires bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to temperatures: <32°F (freezing), 32-40°F (refrigerators), >90°F.
• Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to use tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
• May require use of ladders.

Pay

The wage range for this position is $18.50–$30.20 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits" for eligible full and part-time team members, including:

• Store discount
• Paid time off
• Financial wellness programs
• Health and wellness support programs
• Access to other team member perks

Eligibility for benefits is determined by terms at the date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (regular or seasonal).