Job DescriptionThe Buyer will purchase and manage merchandise, commodities, and products for resale. The Buyer will assist in preparing reports, data entry and special projects as assigned.ResponsibilitiesMaintain exceptional level of customer service to stores.Maintain awareness of new products, research new vendors and regularly incorporate new products into overall product mix.Ensure accuracy of cost and sell prices.Provide correct product information to Order Management in order to print accurate pick tickets.Authorize payment of invoices or returned merchandise.Coordinate and expedite most cost effective transportation of purchases.Work closely with vendors to maximize service and minimize cost on assigned products.Select and order merchandise from showings by manufacturers and brokers.Establish and maintain positive and productive vendor relationships.Maximize margins through inventory management, negotiation, category management, forward buys, and price items appropriately for resale.Stay abreast of product knowledge and industry trends by becoming familiar with customer’s attitudes, preference, and purchasing problems.Monitor inventory levels and prepare Purchase Orders.Inspect and grade or appraise agricultural commodities, or other merchandise to determine value and yield.Inspect exchanged or refunded merchandise.Participation in quarterly physical inventories.Establish and maintain collaborative and productive working relationship with Facility Team Leader, Purchasing Director, other Directors, Team Leaders, all Team Members and, Regional Product Coordinators.Models and cultivates effective inter-department and inter-facility communication.Maintain and facilitate communication with department Specialists and Team Leaders at the store level regarding product movement, new items, specials, margins, credits, and discontinued items.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Thorough knowledge of natural foods industry and Whole Foods Market quality goalsResponsible for ensuring that all vendor organic certifications are on hand and currentConsistently communicate and model Whole Foods Market vision and standardsCommunicate and maintain employee safety and security standardsKnowledge of all relevant Whole Foods Market policies and standardsOutstanding verbal and written communicatorStrong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and meet deadlinesAbility to work well with others, self-motivated and capable of working independently with little supervision. Able to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the Distribution Center, including nights, weekends and holidays as requiredSelf-motivated with high attention to detail and thoroughness in approach with all paperwork

Desired Work Experiences

Bachelor’s degree or 1-2 years of experience or equivalent combination of educationAt Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.