Sr. Category Merchant Manager, Whole Foods Market, Supplier Engagement
Amazon, Austin, Texas, us, 78716
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:
Joint Business Planning
Top to Top meetings
Innovation meetings
Strategic 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
Equal Opportunity Statement 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.
Compensation and Benefits 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
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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:
Joint Business Planning
Top to Top meetings
Innovation meetings
Strategic 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
Equal Opportunity Statement 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.
Compensation and Benefits 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr