Associate Coordinator Speciality

This position will be focused primarily on team based training, merchandising, and follow through on all regional program elements. Key to new store development and remodels, this position will require visits away from home, frequent air travel and  travel throughout the region. Most importantly this position will work as a team with the Regional Specialty Coordinator, Regional Specialty Associate Coordinators, Specialty Cheese Buyer and Specialty Beer and Wine Category Manager.  The position is based in Chicago. 

Responsibilities Include:

•  Daily store based training including all Team Members, Buyers, and Team Leaders.
• New store development including design, small wares, hiring, training, product placement, ordering, merchandising, and team support (both before and after opening).
• Visits away from home, ranging anywhere from one to three weeks is possible.
• Creating, Maintaining and training of the Regional Specialty Merchandising and Sanitation Standards.
• Outstanding and trustworthy partnership with Specialty Coordinator, Associate Coordinator, Regional Buyers, and Store Teams.
• Daily evaluation and feedback to teams regarding plan execution including sales, margins, labor, merchandising, training, production, sanitation, marketing, and promotions
• Monitor, train and maintain quality standards. Follow through and use national and regional resources
• Make sure that stores are following the national and regional programs, track sales dollars and units as required.  Communicate such information as directed.
• Work with the Team Leaders and Team Members in regional stores to improve retail execution, systems and general operations.
• Establish and maintain strong consistent communication with Team Leaders, Store Team Leaders and Regional Leadership.
• Provide support to the stores by spending 80% of time in stores. One office day/week, 4 field days /week.
• Assist in recruiting, training and developing new Team Members and Team Leaders in regional stores.
• Monitor Steritech scores and assist team with action plans to increase and/or maintain high Steritech scores.
• Lead responsibility for regional store openings, or as assigned.
• Provide expert product knowledge, especially with cheese and wine.
• Establish and maintain strong, positive relations with Whole Foods Market Team Members and vendors.
• Uphold Whole Foods Market values and business philosophy to Customers, Team Members and vendors.
• Provide exceptional customer service.

Requirements/Essential Functions:

• Must have strategic organizational skills and be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously with high level of energy and passion for excellence.
• Prompt and Deadline Oriented.  Articulate communicator, able to easily lead large and small groups to consensus and understanding.
•  A great merchandiser in all Specialty areas including Wine, Beer, Cheese, and Chocolate.
• Someone who is detail oriented, proactive, involved, creative, able to easily connect with all team members (Operations, Regional, National).
• Fantastic work ethic.
• Has a good understanding of the “big picture” and vision.
• Friendly yet firm with program expectations and execution. Be a positive motivator.
• Ability to reflect positively as a representative of WFM while traveling.
•  A WFM team member in good standing for 2 yrs, or equivalent, with STL and Coordinator approval.
• Understanding of Regional scope with flexibility to accommodate all stores within Region.  
• Able to travel to all stores within the region.
• Outstanding Computer Skills in Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Passport and legal status to leave the United States.
• Financial acumen with understanding of GM, CM, spoilage, turns, EVA, sales, comp’s, plan and labor.
• Must have led a team to meet and exceed financial success in the areas of purchasing, program execution, and ongoing margin performance.
• A desire to grow as an individual and contribute to the Specialty team, region and company in a lasting and positive manner, and to demonstrate a “can do” attitude despite the task ahead.
• Desire to be a Specialty Coordinator within WFM.
• Must be able to proficiently use and train tm’s on IRMA and DVO ordering systems, SLIM and navigate the internet.
• A strong track record of driving regional programs and initiatives.
• Flexibility with work schedule and the ability to change directions very quickly.
• Able to work successfully on a team and with vendors.
• Strong financial and computer skills, especially with Microsoft Office
• The ability to handle high levels of stress. 
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize.
• Able to travel on a consistent basis.
• Excellent product knowledge on: wine, cheese, beer, coffee, chocolate
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Bend and stoop to grasp objects and climb ladders.
• Bend and lift loads, not to exceed 50 pounds, unassisted and able to push and pull carts with product weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Use of box cutters.
• Use of electric pallet jacks or other heavy machinery.

At Whole Foods Market, we empower our Team Members to make their own decisions, thus creating an environment where people are treated with respect and are highly motivated to excel. We mentor Team Members through education and on-the-job experience. As a result, we are able to fill a majority of leadership roles from our existing team member base. We also recognize that there are individuals with talent outside of Whole Foods Market, and have training programs to bring those new leaders into the company.

Our Team Members represent over 50 different nations. We are people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, yet all work together to meet the needs of our customers.

We offer an excellent benefits program.