Prepared Foods Order Writer

Job Summary

The Prepared Foods Order Writer at Whole Foods Market is responsible for ordering, replenishing, and merchandising prepared foods products, aligning with regional purchasing and promotional programs. This role involves meticulous inventory control, fostering a positive customer experience, and ensuring adherence to company standards and health regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase and replenish food products using proper buying procedures.
• Monitor and act on open PO reports for purchases and credits.
• Control spoilage and shrink, working towards turn goals and participating in inventory processes.
• Complete required worksheets for spoilage, sampling, temperature, and sweeps.
• Assist with counter service and cooking duties as needed.
• Communicate effectively with the Kitchen Manager / Chef and Team Leader regarding ordering needs and issues.
• Maintain positive relationships with vendors.
• Collaborate with leadership to cost recipes.
• Oversee the customer special order procedure.
• Support leadership in conducting inventories.
• Achieve financial profitability by meeting and exceeding purchasing and sales targets.
• Ensure timely arrival to work, appropriate grooming, and readiness for all scheduled shifts and meetings.
• Provide excellent customer service, address needs promptly, and model suggestive selling techniques.
• Maximize sales potential through effective prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising.
• Comply with all established procedures including Weights and Measures, health, sanitation, and safe work practices.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment, ensuring equipment meets WFM standards.
• Perform assigned opening, mid, and closing duties, ensuring accuracy of signs and pricing.
• Immediately report all safety hazards and violations.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Extensive product knowledge, including production, distribution, seasonal availability, and trends.
• Ability to create and negotiate price bids.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn about products, nutritional information, and relevant studies.
• Working knowledge and application of all Prepared Foods merchandising expectations.
• Complete understanding of Whole Foods Market's margin program and profitability.
• Ability to educate the team on product knowledge and convey enthusiasm.
• Strong basic math skills.
• Proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and various ordering systems.
• Strong to excellent communication skills and a collaborative team player mindset.
• Ability to deliver information clearly and respectfully to Team Members, customers, and vendors.
• Capability to meet high customer service expectations and standards.
• Adept at following directions and procedures; possessing effective time management and organization skills.
• Passion for natural foods and the mission of Whole Foods Market.
• Strong work ethic and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, urgent environment.
• Understanding and compliance with WFM quality goals.

Desired Work Experience

• 1+ years of Buying/Merchandising experience.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Standing/walking for 6-8 hours in an 8-hour workday.
• Proficient hand use including single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling.
• Required motions include bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to various temperatures: below 32°F (freezing), 32-40°F (refrigerators), above 90°F.
• Ability to work in both wet and dry conditions.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Competency in using tools and equipment such as knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
• May require the use of ladders.

Key skills/competency

• Inventory Management
• Merchandising
• Purchasing
• Vendor Relations
• Food Safety
• Customer Service
• Microsoft Excel
• Replenishment
• Profitability Analysis
• Team Collaboration