Job Description

Whole Foods Market is looking for a Senior In-Stock Analyst to support the launch and ongoing optimization of store replenishment tools and initiatives for various departments including Produce, Meat, Seafood, Floral, Bakery, and Prepared Foods. In this role, you will design and develop processes, reporting, and tools aimed at improving product availability while minimizing the risk of excess inventory and shrinkage. The scope of your work will involve leading analytical efforts, documenting processes, creating and executing action plans, and supporting centralized perishables procurement and store order/inventory management.

As a Senior In-Stock Analyst, you will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders across Perishables Supply Chain and Merchandising, Retail Operations, Global Distribution, Data, and Technical teams. This is a unique opportunity to apply your strong analytical skills, creativity, and understanding of perishables supply chains in support of a growing program at Whole Foods Market.

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

Responsibilities:

Target Inventory/Store Order Management

• Lead strategy for calculating effective target inventory positions (TIP) to maximize store in-stock rate and minimize shrink – and process for maintenance of all store/item TIP settings within centralized inventory management/ordering tools

• Design/support process and tools for maintenance of vendor order/delivery schedules in centralized ordering systems – troubleshoot challenges in partnership with ISMs, distributors, stores, and category merchants
• Work closely with In-Stock Managers and Merchandising team to develop strategy for managing target inventory positions/demand forecast for promotional, seasonal, and other special events in alignment with merchandising objectives
• Partner with perishables category management teams for continuous insight into merchandising strategy and assortment changes – manage target inventory position/item forecast appropriately
• Support In-Stock Analysts with guidance in analyzing store feedback related to forecasting, inventory, and/or reporting errors to determine root cause and apply fixes. Ensure internal team tools/processes mitigate inaccuracies.
• Conduct store visits as necessary to evaluate the performance of ordering and forecasting systems in real time

Analytics                                                                                                      

• Independently manage broad analytical projects from abstract requests through detailed reporting that provides accurate findings and recommended action
• Develop prototype and scalable production tools/reports for internal team + stakeholder use
• Perform complex routine + ad hoc analysis into store in-stock/ordering + perishables supply chain opportunities as assigned
• Partner with team leadership to define, validate, and track program KPIs
• Contribute to weekly/monthly business review documents to socialize program KPIs and current action items
• Support In-Stock Analyst reporting, analysis, and training needs

Process/Program Evolution

• In partnership with key stakeholders, support the development of new business processes, tools, and reporting necessary to maintain and expand coverage of centralized forecasting and inventory management
• Continuously anticipate upcoming program needs and recommend appropriate solutions
• Lead preparation efforts for store order tool rollouts into assigned categories and regions
• Collaborate with a broad stakeholder group on the development of new forecasting and ordering technologies
• Ensure inclusion and involvement of all impacted parties during the development and implementation of new reporting/processes
• Support the development of new training programs intended for store, region, and global level stakeholders
• Provide testing support for new replenishment technologies as they are introduced
• Additional analytics, business writing, and program support tasks as defined
• Support Senior Team Leader functions as assigned

Qualifications

• Experience in retail, purchasing, forecasting, or supply chain analytics/data management (4-6 years)
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and other MS Office applications required
• Comfort with and ability to learn new reporting, database, and automation systems – create dynamic reporting
• Working knowledge of data querying/visualization/automation tools such as SQL, Alteryx, Power BI, Tableau, Amazon QuickSight, etc; intermediate to advanced proficiency preferred
• Ability to manage, manipulate, and derive insights from large sets of complex and disparate data
• Analytical curiosity, ability to think creatively and solve problems with sound business judgement
• Self-motivated, innovative thinker willing to work in a dynamic and evolving environment
• Strong attention to detail and organizational/project management skills, ability to prioritize effectively and consistently meet timelines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present ideas, conclusions and recommendations with clarity in formal business writing
• Positive attitude and flexibility to work effectively both individually and with cross-functional teams
• Excellent leadership skills – able to determine priorities and lead others to achieve team goals
• Commitment to the Mission and Core Values of Whole Foods Market
• Nuanced understanding of WFM business, supply chain, retail and purchasing data, and perishables procurement/merchandising preferred
• Ability to travel when necessary (up to 10%)

At 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.

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