This position is responsible for purchasing organic and conventional commodities on a large scale serving all eleven WFM regions. This is a great opportunity to participate in continually evolving the Global Perishable Purchasing buying office into a state of the art service operation that will satisfy and delight our customers.

Will Do

• Act as produce purchasing agent for all regions of Whole Foods Market
• Leverage our consolidated buying power into a competitive advantage
• Organize and execute purchase orders in a timely, accurate and effective manner
• Execute daily, weekly and seasonal produce and floral procurement strategies
• Manage relationships with Regional Buyers to assure we are achieving service goals
• Provide growers and shippers with order specifics and period forecasts
• Secure appropriate dispatch information, work with transportation to fill trucks and deliver the best possible landed costs
• Resolve arrival problems quickly, accurately and fairly ensuring vendor/regional credits are written and posted in accordance with fiscal deadlines
• Build weekly and monthly ads in concert with Global Produce Team
• Communicate market conditions and trends to Regional Buyers, Regional/Global Produce Coordinators and WFP Purchasing Team
• Create and update information as needed in produce ordering database (P3)

• Review performance of assigned commodities weekly
• Write text for National Ad unique features
• Stay apprised of regional and local buying throughout the year
• Attend vendor business reviews and  participate in special projects as directed by the Purchasing TL

Must Have:

• Commitment to the Mission and Core Values of Whole Foods Market
• 4 years relevant industry experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to ask for anything
• A strong understanding of produce terminology and industry standards
• Excellent communication skills, ability to teach, mentor and overcome challenges with various personalities, excellent team building skills
• Ability to travel, including international, overnight and some weekends
• Flexibility for all schedules which can include weekends, nights and holidays
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A passion for fresh produce and floral, able to articulate and impart this passion onto the team
• Excellent negotiation skills and aptitude for category management and sales planning
• A strong will for and aptitude at creating a healthy work environment
• Experience with Microsoft Office