Senior Program Manager, Demo & Sampling

Job Description

The Senior Program Manager, Demo & Sampling role is a full-time position leading product demo and in-store sampling programming across all US and Canadian Whole Foods Market (WFM). This role, in partnership with the broader team, will optimize program and project strategies based on financial expectations, customer and product trends, competitive landscape, and Whole Foods Market differentiators in partnership with key global teams. This role includes leading cross-functional collaboration with WFM Merchandising, Product, Analytics, Retail Operations, Consumer Insights, Finance, Legal, and Accounting teams to deliver strong business results against our stated demo growth goals. Additionally, this role works closely with teams outside of WFM, including Amazon, and is responsible for managing third party vendors. This role reports into the Executive Leader, Supplier Marketing & Advertising.

This role is based in Austin, TX with an expectation of being in the Store Support Office five days a week.

Core Responsibilities:

· Lead the transformation of demo and sampling programs, driving the evolution toward our North Star vision of an industry-leading, customer-centric experience.

· Pioneer innovative sampling opportunities while ensuring alignment with WFM business model and operational capabilities.

· Manage end-to-end demo program infrastructure, including comprehensive SOPs, training documentation, and project timelines.

· Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with third-party vendors and external stakeholders.

· Drive continuous improvement in program efficacy, including capturing and analyzing qualitative feedback and quantitative program metrics.

· Lead pilot programs from conception through implementation, including development of program guidelines, integration of new initiatives with existing operations, and measurement of outcomes.

· Monitor industry trends, competitive activities, and evolving customer preferences to inform program direction.

Desired Skills & Experience:

· 4-6 years of relevant program management experience, with experience leading programs in collaboration with operations and/or marketing teams.

· Strong business acumen and a proven track record delivering business results through high impact marketing programs.

· Highly analytical with a demonstrated ability to translate quantitative and qualitative data into actionable strategies and plans, and inform future planning with objective insights, reporting, and analytics.

· Management of detailed task/project planning, including cost, schedule, and resource requirements.

· Strong understanding of standard project and/or product management methodologies and requirements.

· Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to build strong relationships across diverse groups of stakeholders.

· Communicates written information in a clear, structured, and concise manner.

· Experience at a retail or top-tier company preferred. Retail or store operations experience working directly with store employees will also be considered.

· BA/BS required.

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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