Job Description
DESCRIPTION
At World Wide Grocery Stores (WWGS), a global retail organization dedicated to revolutionizing the grocery shopping experience through enhanced efficiency, quality, and affordability, we proudly support Whole Foods Market and other grocery initiatives across Amazon. Whole Foods Market is more than a grocery store — it's a mission-driven community focused on nourishing people and the planet. As our Senior Category Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of food by turning supplier relationships into meaningful, long-term partnerships that are rooted in shared values and mutual growth. In this high-impact role within the WWGS organization supporting Whole Foods Market, you'll lead strategic negotiations with our most important suppliers, distributors, and third-party vendors moving beyond transactions to cultivate transformational alliances. From joint business planning and purpose-aligned top-to-top sessions to data-driven cost negotiations and innovative promotional strategies, you'll ensure every conversation advances value for our customers, our partners, and our planet.
Key job responsibilities
Strategic Partner Management
* Conducting annual supplier tiering exercise to identify and develop strategic partnerships
* Creating and executing annual partner engagement roadmaps with clear ROI metrics
* Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders across the organization
* Developing and implementing strategic initiatives to drive profitability and business growth
Financial Management
* Analyzing and optimizing supplier funding collections to maximize profitability
* Managing P&L impacts of partnership initiatives
* Tracking and reporting financial value creation from partnerships
* Identifying cost-saving opportunities through strategic negotiations
Partnership Development
* Leading and facilitating key partnership processes including:
* Joint Business Planning
* Top to Top meetings
* Innovation meetings
* Strategic negotiations
* Creating and executing annual supplier communication strategies
* Developing best practices for collaborative engagement
* Coaching category merchants on partnership and negotiation strategies
Skills
Collaborative Negotiation and Partnering
* Strong understanding of negotiation frameworks and collaborative approaches
* Ability to identify mutual gains and create value-driven solutions
* Excellence in strategic questioning and active listening
* Effective communication and messaging skills
* Understanding of leverage points and their appropriate use
Business and Financial Acumen
* Deep understanding of P&L management and financial metrics
* Ability to identify and execute profit-driving initiatives
* Strong analytical skills to evaluate business opportunities
* Understanding of supplier and distributor business models
* Capability to align partnership strategies with financial goals
Facilitation and Leadership
* Design and lead effective cross-functional meetings and processes
* Drive collaborative problem-solving and innovation
* Ensure accountability and follow-through on commitments
* Build consensus and maintain productive relationships
* Document and track outcomes and action items
Strategic Problem-Solving
* Identify and overcome business challenges
* Develop solutions that maximize value for all parties
* Balance competing priorities and interests
* Drive profitable growth through strategic thinking
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree, or Bachelor of Arts degree
- Experience with P&L responsibility and delivering strong financial results
- Knowledge of Microsoft Excel (macros, pivots, lookups) at an advanced level
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with business partners
- 6+ years of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
Job Tags
Full time,