Prepared Foods Order Writer (Deli / Culinary - Buyer / Inventory Replenishment) - Full Time

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Part-time
Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $19.50 - $30.20
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Store discount
financial wellness programs
Health and wellness support programs
Team member perks
Training and development opportunities

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a well-established and highly regarded grocery retailer specializing in natural and organic foods. Known for its commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, and community involvement, Whole Foods Market has become a leader in the natural food industry. Founded on the purpose to nourish people and the planet, the company is passionate about improving how people eat, supporting sustainable agriculture, fostering education through grants, and providing healthy food access to underserved communities. As a company, Whole Foods Market emphasizes personal growth, meaningful change, and community impact in every role. Employees are not only contributing to a thriving business but also helping to revolutionize the grocery industry by setting high standards of excellence for others to follow. Whole Foods Market operates through a diverse team that works collaboratively to meet and exceed these noble goals while maintaining a positive company image and excellent customer service standards. The company offers competitive compensation, with hourly wages ranging from $19.50 to $30.20 depending on experience, and a comprehensive benefits package called Whole Benefits, which supports health, financial wellness, paid time off, and team member perks.

The role offered is specifically within the Prepared Foods department, where the team member is responsible for ordering, replenishing, and merchandising prepared food products while participating in regional purchasing and promotional programs. This position requires attention to inventory control, spoilage prevention, and maintaining merchandising standards. The team member also plays a critical role in customer service by addressing customer needs promptly and professionally while supporting efficient operational practices, including compliance with health and safety regulations. Working closely with the Kitchen Manager, Chef, and Team Leaders, this position involves purchasing food products, monitoring purchase orders, managing recipe costs, and overseeing special order procedures. The ideal candidate will have a passion for natural and organic foods, strong math and communication skills, experience with buying and merchandising, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments with urgency and dedication. Additionally, the job requires physical activities such as lifting, standing, and handling equipment safely. Whole Foods Market values work ethic and teamwork, encouraging employees to develop product knowledge and enthusiasm while actively contributing to the mission and culture of the company. This is a unique opportunity to join a company that not only values what you do but also who you are, offering room for career advancement and personal growth in an environment dedicated to positive change.

Job Requirements

  • must be able to lift 50 pounds
  • standing and walking 6-8 hours in an 8-hour workday
  • hand use including single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
  • ability to bend, twist, squat, and reach
  • exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
  • ability to work in temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • ability to work in wet and dry conditions
  • ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
  • ability to use tools and equipment including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery
  • may require use of ladders
  • completed high school education or equivalent
  • minimum of 1 year of relevant buying or merchandising experience
  • ability to follow directions and procedures
  • effective time management and organizational skills
  • must arrive to work station on time, dressed appropriately and ready to work
  • ability to provide excellent customer service

Job Qualifications

  • 1+ years of buying and merchandising experience
  • extensive product knowledge including production, distribution, seasonal availability, advances, and trends
  • ability to create and negotiate price bids
  • familiarity or willingness to learn about products, nutritional information, and other areas of study
  • working knowledge and application of prepared foods merchandising expectations
  • complete understanding of Whole Foods Market margin program and profitability
  • ability to educate team on product knowledge and convey enthusiasm
  • strong basic math skills
  • knowledge and ability to use computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and ordering systems
  • strong to excellent communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team
  • ability to deliver information clearly and respectfully to fellow team members, customers, and vendors
  • ability to meet customer service expectations in all interactions
  • strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency
  • passion for natural foods and the mission of Whole Foods Market
  • understanding of and compliance with Whole Foods Market quality goals

Job Duties

  • Purchases and replenishes food for preparation through proper buying procedures
  • monitors and acts upon open purchase order reports for purchases and credits in an accurate and timely manner
  • controls spoilage and shrink, achieves turn goals, participates in inventory
  • completes spoilage, sampling, temperature, and sweep worksheets as required
  • assists with counter service and cooks as scheduled or as necessary
  • communicates with Kitchen Manager, Chef, and Team Leader on ordering needs and issues
  • maintains positive working relationships with vendors
  • works with Team Leader or Assistant Team Leader to cost recipes
  • oversees customer special order procedure
  • supports leadership in conducting inventories
  • maintains financial profitability by meeting and exceeding purchasing and sales targets
  • arrives to work station on time, appropriately groomed, dressed and ready to work
  • works all scheduled shifts and attends required trainings and meetings
  • provides excellent customer service, addresses needs of customers in a timely and effective manner and models suggestive selling techniques
  • answers phones and pages promptly and courteously
  • maximizes sales potential through effective and proper procedures for prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising product
  • follows and ensures compliance with established procedures including weights and measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices
  • maintains a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment
  • maintains equipment according to cleanliness and safety standards
  • performs opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned
  • ensures accuracy of signs and pricing
  • immediately reports safety hazards and violations

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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