Specialty Order Writer (Beer, Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Buyer / Inventory Replenishment)

Orders, replenishes, and merchandises Specialty products and participates in regional programs for purchasing and promotions.

Responsibilities

• Performs all functions related to breaking down deliveries, merchandising new products, and stocking shelves.
• Assists Team Leader in organizing and developing promotional displays and maintaining OTS standards.
• Purchases and replenishes Specialty items through proper buying procedures; ensures orders are timely and accurate to monitor inventory turns.
• Understands and explains why WFM products differ from conventional stores to customers.
• Achieves and exceeds assigned/established margin and sales targets.
• Creates effective merchandising displays; requests and ensures proper signage and pricing.
• Participates in national, regional, and store promotional programs.
• Samples department products to customers; oversees customer special order procedures.
• Processes invoices and returns; maintains organized and safe back stock area.
• Analyzes and controls product waste and spoilage; completes spoilage, sampling, temperature, and sweep worksheets as required.
• Arrives to work station on time, appropriately groomed, dressed, and ready to work; works all scheduled shifts and attends required trainings and meetings.
• Provides excellent customer service, addresses customer needs in a timely and effective manner, and models suggestive selling techniques.
• Maximizes sales potential through effective and proper procedures for prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising product.
• Follows and complies with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment; ensures equipment is maintained according to 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 specialty knowledge, including production, distribution, seasonal availability, advances, and trends.
• Familiarity and/or willingness to learn about products, nutritional information, and other areas of study.
• Working knowledge and application of all specialty merchandising expectations.
• Demonstrates a desire to grow with the Specialty team; ability to educate team on product knowledge and convey enthusiasm.
• Strong basic math skills.
• Knowledge and ability to use computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and ordering systems.
• Strong to excellent communication skills; willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver information clearly and respectfully to fellow Team Members, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to meet customer service expectations and standards in all interactions.
• Ability to follow directions and procedures; effective time management and organization skills.
• 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.

Requirements

• 12+ months of retail experience.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• In an 8-hour work day: 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 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ability to work in a wet and cold environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
• Where applicable, TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures by Servers of Alcohol) course completion required and must be age 18 years or older to serve alcohol.

Pay

The wage range for this position is $19.00–$30.20 hourly, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits," including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other Team Member perks. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable plan at a person’s date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal).