Job Abstract

Whole Foods Market is looking to hire a Senior Equipment Buyer for our Store Development Team. This position is responsible for purchasing, scheduling and budgeting of all types of store equipment for assigned projects and global buying initiatives.  You will work closely with architects, engineers and other internal stakeholders to understand project and equipment requirements, follow up with vendors and suppliers to address performance / equipment issues. and provide national pricing development support and works closely with vendors to secure on time delivery and product service.

Responsibilities:

• Selects equipment in partnership with extended stakeholders in design to support global program criteria and operational requirements.  
• Purchases all store equipment on assigned projects, including refrigeration, kitchen equipment, shelving, material handling equipment, front end equipment, and other items to supports new stores, renovations, remodels and equipment replacement and upgrades.
• Allocates work and delegates projects (new store, remodel and PERF).
• Reviews and maintains purchasing records of items.
• Develops and maintains equipment delivery schedules, communicating lead times and updates to key stakeholders. This includes monitoring shipments to ensure that the equipment arrives on time and in proper quantities.
• Reviews equipment proposals for compliance with currents standards.
• Compiles equipment books, manuals and matrixes for each project and coordinates technical specifications with manufacturers and consultants.
• Manages and tracks purchase orders, vendor performance while facilitating and growing strong vendor relationships.
• Assists with budget development and management for new store and remodel projects and provides accurate real-time updates to Equipment Leadership and Construction Project Managers throughout the project.
• Works with Décor/ Design team on fixture finishes; reviews cut sheets to ensure décor coordination with current equipment specifications.
• Works across projects to ensure effective coordination, budget management, task completion, and communication of progress, status, and issues to relevant leadership and other stakeholders.
• Provides equipment recommendations based on feedback from store team members and store support field leadership and makes strategic recommendations on new products / equipment.
• Addresses escalated equipment issues and concerns with regards to food safety, ergonomics or national standards.
• Provides project close-out feedback and ensures identification, communication, and future application of lessons learned and best practices.
• Serves as support and equipment point person for stores in construction and remodel processes

Professional Knowledge:

• Expert ability to plan, estimate, organize, and monitor multiple projects both in financial aspects, creatively tracking, and in accordance with stakeholder deadlines. We use USGN, Procore, and Smartsheet for tracking project financials and document coordination.
• Advanced knowledge of construction accounting and equipment budget codes, refrigeration, customer millwork and commercial kitchen equipment. 
• Posses a keen ability to design custom fixtures, food bars, service lineups and millwork.
• Strong ability to source equipment and suppliers through media and industry
• Advanced knowledge of blueprints and MEP sheets
• Advanced experience creating, coordinating, and communicating equipment delivery schedules.
• Expert ability to create equipment lists from architectural fixture plans.
• Ability to oversee and advise on project management issues and assist with overcoming barriers.
• Advanced understanding of construction project management methodologies regarding fixturing, during planning and installation.
• Advanced knowledge of Blue Beam and/or Adobe Acrobat.

Consultation

• Conveys and/or consults on issues of moderate to significant complexity.
• Regularly interacts with colleagues or customers up to the senior leadership level.

Teamwork & Collaboration:

• Participates in and provides senior-level support to team and cross-functional projects.
• Impacts overall team effectiveness.
• Builds and nurtures relationships with senior-level leaders and stakeholders.

Organization & Industry Acumen:

• Willingness to learn the WFM product mix, supply base, and retail operations.
• Understands customer, market and industry trends and emerging challenges. 
• Applies business and project understanding to focus project / team efforts. 

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Ability to physically perform general office requirements, as well as those required on construction site.
• This position may require travel up to 25%.
• Must be able to perform essential responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations. 

• Education & Experience:

• BA/BS degree and 4-6 years’ relevant experience OR equivalent education and relevant experience.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

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