Summer Internship – Merchandising
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Job Description
About Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market is a company dedicated to nourishing people and the planet, and believes in fostering future talent. They are passionate about offering opportunities for purpose-driven students to make a difference in their work and communities.
Their internship program is based in Austin, Texas, near their original store, and offers a unique experience for interns. Instead of fetching coffee, interns enjoy free coffee and tea while working on meaningful projects that impact both internal and external stakeholders.
About The Merchandising Team
The Merchandising team at Whole Foods Market is responsible for developing category goals, strategies, and product assortments. They focus on the needs of their core customer, ensuring a strong mix of relevant products that distinguish Whole Foods Market from its competition.
Merchants are responsible for:
• Business financial performance
• Developing strategies to drive profitable sales through data-driven, customer-centric assortment selection
• Product development, pricing, presentation, and promotion
• Collaboration with Inventory Planning, Operations, Quality Standards, Marketing, and Suppliers to achieve category goals
Intern Responsibilities
Interns in the Merchandising team will have the opportunity to:
• Support and collaborate with stakeholders on achieving category tasks, goals, and strategic Merchandising projects.
• Support category assortment planning, including supplier line reviews, assortment analysis, and stakeholder collaboration.
• Translate assortment plans into merchandising and/or product development plans (with guidance).
• Engage with the support team and other stakeholders to execute projects or process improvements.
• Maintain a list of supplier contacts and support supplier communication as needed.
• Maintain and update relevant system content and assist with documentation and reporting.
• Facilitate information sharing between applicable stakeholders.
• Assist with sample testing, trials, and sample room maintenance.
• Communicate, represent, and uphold Whole Foods Market core values and leadership principles to all stakeholders.
• Provide accurate and complete information in reports and communications.
• Contribute positively to team collaboration and group effectiveness.
• Participate in projects and shadow meetings related to Merchandising.
• Support the development of Store Team member product and strategy programs.
• Proactively seek guidance and support when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Experience
• Team player with a positive attitude and the ability to manage ambiguity.
• Clear and concise communication skills with the ability to present structured information.
• Strong understanding of Retail Math.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.
• Experience with analyzing reports, visualizing data, and identifying issues, trends, or exceptions to drive improvement and find solutions.
• Professional presence and ability to represent Whole Foods Market in supplier-facing communications.
• Detail-oriented with strong planning and execution skills.
• Self-motivated and proactive in ensuring deadlines are met.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a group.
• Effective and comfortable communication with various stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Passion for Organics, Fair Trade, Quality Standards, and the Natural Foods industry.
• Intellectual and analytical curiosity.
• Desire for continuous learning.
• Currently pursuing or recently completed (within the past year) a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Retail Merchandising, Business, or Finance.
Internship Program Details
• Paid for 10 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) between June 2, 2025, and August 8, 2025.
• Based in Austin, Texas, and not open to remote candidates.
Program Highlights
• weekly Summer Event Series: weekly events for interns to connect and experience Whole Foods Market culture.
• Intern Buddy: Pairing with a Whole Foods Market team member outside the intern’s team for support.
• Team Member Coffee Chats: Networking opportunities with Whole Foods Market team members in relevant fields.
• Internship Expo: End-of-internship presentations for interns to showcase their work.
Application Review
• Applications open in September and October 2024.
• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis, with potential interviews in November or December 2024.
