Sr. Category Merchant Manager, Whole Foods Market, Supplier Engagement

DESCRIPTION:

At Amazon Worldwide Grocery Stores through Whole Foods Market, we're more than a grocery store - we're a mission-driven community focused on nourishing people and the planet. As our Sr. Category Merchant 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, 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.

This position is located in Austin, TX with the expectation of being onsite 5 days a week.

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:
oJoint Business Planning
oTop to Top meetings
oInnovation meetings
oStrategic 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 Merchandising
•Balance competing priorities and interests
•Drive profitable growth through strategic thinking

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

- 5+ years of business development, account management, product management, project management, financial analysis and/or marketing experience
- Experience in business development, account management, product management, project management, financial analysis and/or marketing

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- Experience with strong project management skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
- Experience positioning and selling innovative solutions to new and existing customers and market segments

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, TX, Austin - 140,300.00 - 189,800.00 USD annually