Category Manager, Whole Foods
Once Upon A FarmFull Time
Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)
Candidates should have 5+ years of experience in category management, buying, or merchandising, ideally within eCommerce. Deep familiarity with the prepared meals and sides category, including ready-to-eat and heat-and-eat formats, is essential, along with a strong understanding of consumer preferences, supply chain dynamics, and packaging considerations. Experience collaborating on product development or private-label innovation in a fresh or perishable food category is strongly preferred. Proven ability to negotiate, manage projects, and communicate effectively across internal and external stakeholders is required, as is experience building vendor partnerships and developing private-label products. A working knowledge of retail and eCommerce food safety standards and a strong analytical mindset with proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets are necessary.
The Meals Category Lead will shape and scale the prepared foods assortment, defining and executing a data-informed category strategy to maximize customer satisfaction, drive sales and profitability, and make healthy eating easy. This role involves end-to-end category management for heat & eat and ready-to-eat meals and sides, including strategy, product development, vendor and item selection, packaging, and merchandising. Responsibilities include building and managing supplier partnerships, unlocking value through cost optimization, vendor performance management, and innovation. The lead will also collaborate closely with R&D, Culinary, Food Safety, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to develop, onboard, and maintain an assortment of best-in-class products, and will steer long-term assortment health by identifying gaps, opportunities, trends, and rationalization needs.
Online meal kit and grocery delivery service
Hungryroot provides a service that merges meal kits with grocery delivery, making it easier for busy individuals and families to prepare meals without the hassle of planning or shopping. Customers can choose from a variety of meal options, including dairy-free, gluten-free, and plant-based dishes, tailored to their dietary preferences. By taking a quiz on the website, users receive personalized meal recommendations that align with their eating habits and goals. The subscription model allows customers to receive deliveries starting at $65, with the flexibility to skip weeks or cancel anytime. Hungryroot stands out in the online food delivery market by focusing on healthy, easy-to-prepare meals and offering a unique combination of meal kits and grocery items, catering specifically to health-conscious consumers.