The Program Manager of Assortment Capabilities supports execution of Whole Foods Market's multi-year strategy for advancing assortment planning capabilities and driving adoption across merchandising, product management, and technology teams. This role manages implementation of capability development initiatives that enable continuous improvement for assortment relevancy, serving as a key contributor to Worldwide Grocery Stores strategy at Whole Food Market.

The successful candidate demonstrates a growth mindset with relentless focus on delivering measurable results in a complex, dynamic landscape. This leader brings deep knowledge of retail merchandising and supply chain planning, with proven commitment to long-term goals and resilient execution.


Key job responsibilities
• Supports execution of multi-year capability roadmap strategy
• Manages implementation and optimization of software solutions for assortment planning
• Delivers quantifiable KPI improvements for assortment planning initiatives (e.g., forecast accuracy, inventory turns, assortment productivity)
• Supports development and implementation of assortment life-cycle processes
• Maintains relationships with third-party partners
• Identifies capability gaps and supports development roadmap through Operational Planning business case ownership.
• Implements data integrity mechanisms and measurement for data inputs and outputs
• Supports monthly business review practice for key stakeholders to track performance KPIs
• Models and reinforces Whole Foods Market values and culture

Skills:
• Demonstrates store-level, customer-centric mindset to support operational excellence
• Supports team development through performance management practices
• Exemplifies change management and agility skills to support new process and team adoption
• Collaborates with leaders to support the mission, vision, and strategy of the organization
• Develops credible relationships with senior-level stakeholders, both inside and outside current areas of responsibility
• Engages with internal and external stakeholders to define, clarify, and resolve issues related to supply management and performance expectations
• Identifies gaps in strategic understanding and delivers clear communication
• Supports organizational strategic direction and planning
• Plans, estimates, organizes, and monitors significant task and project activity
• Manages task and project-related issues and assists with overcoming barriers
• Demonstrates understanding of the WFM business, food retail industry, and the business models of key strategic partners and competitors
• Assesses how key functions, processes, and operating models impact the business; delivers recommendations on optimization
• Identifies interdependencies across markets, customers, partners, and programs to support long-term growth opportunities


About the team
Whole Foods was founded in 1980 on the belief that where food comes from, and how it's grown, matters. It meant creating quality standards, working with suppliers who achieve them, and sharing that information with our customers. And it radically changed the way people understood and shopped for food. The result has been the highest quality natural and organic products, an unmatched experience in more than 500+ stores, with a passionate team of over 100,000 team members, 5 percent of our total net profits given back to our communities each year, and millions of customers who put their trust in us every day.

Whole Foods Market provides a fair and equal employment opportunity for all team members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the position to be filled.