Regional Local Product Buyer (Forager)

 

About US 



Whole Foods Market, Inc. is a company with a unique character and philosophy that has set us decidedly apart from traditional supermarket chains. As the leading natural foods retailer in the world, our mission is to provide excellent products and services to our customers. We fulfill our mission by supporting a culture of highly knowledgeable people who are empowered to make their own decisions, creating an environment where people are treated with respect.



We offer great benefits with a full complement of affordable medical and other traditional group health plan coverage. All of our Team Members are eligible for on of the highest store discounts in the industry, as well as a gain sharing program that enables every Team Member to share in our success.





 

 



 

Regional Local Product Buyer (Forager)

 

Job Summary

Whole Foods North Atlantic seeks an individual connected with producers/vendors in the MA, ME, RI and CT area to procure local area products for the North Atlantic?s expanding local product program.  In this new role, the ideal candidate will work with individual product teams, searching for products, present them to the Product teams, and enable small local vendors to become a source of high quality local foods for Whole Foods Market.  This is done through visit to farmers/ranchers/producers and other vendors in the region, presenting product, setting up demonstration of products and coaching local producers on how they can best establish a relationship with the company. The Forager must work with the all of the product teams and marketing. While a non-supervisory position, this individual will lead the local food presence in our stores and will need strong influencing and partnering skills in order to obtain the needed results.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:
Assume ownership for obtaining the widest assortment of products for WFM ?Go Local? program.Work with each department Product Coordinator 9Category Manager) to establish an understanding of the goals and objectives for a local product program, and work to deliver on those goals. Conduct Product research on local items assuring the vendor meets the quality standards of WFM. Source and network to constantly find and introduce high quality food vendors into WFM.Act as a resource to small local growers and producers on product development strategies.Identify potential candidates for WFM micro lending program.Make deals, commitments and agreements with local producers in conjunction with WFM Product Coordinators.  Assure that local growers can cost effectively and efficiently deliver their product to our stores.Establish protocols, standards for new items by working with WFM product teams.Work with Marketing and Demonstration teams to feature the local program via live demos, interviews with producers or other promotional materials.  Act as a spokesperson for WFM local program.

 


Requirements:
Must have broad product knowledge. Keen understanding of local region market space.Exceptional multi-tasking skills.Must be willing to do overnight travel to local states if necessary and to new store openings. Strong business skills in understanding the financial cycle of bringing a product to market.Will mostly split time between Regional Offices and grower/producer visits.Sense of ownership and accountability.Strong communication skills, and excellent at building relationships. Understanding of organic and ?natural? food standards.  Must love food.  Individuals who have either been a farmer, producer or grower or have strong connections in this realm will be a preferred candidate for this position. 

 

 

 

Apply Online:

www.wholefoodsmarketcareers.com/regional