Buyer - Wine, Alcohol, Spirits, And Specialty Cheese (Corporate)

Position Overview:
Woodlands Market is seeking an innovative and experienced Category Buyer to lead our Wine, Alcohol, Spirits, and Specialty Cheese categories. This critical role combines strategic merchandising, expert curation, and trend-setting innovation to create compelling and dynamic product assortments. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the wine, alcohol, beer, spirits, and specialty cheese industries, a passion for uncovering emerging trends, and a track record of driving category growth through customer-centric strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Category Leadership

• Develop and execute category strategies for wine, alcohol, spirits, and specialty cheese that align with Woodlands Market’s mission to provide exceptional, high-quality products to our customers.
• Lead the curation and selection of products across these categories with a focus on innovation, quality, and alignment with emerging trends.
• Continuously analyze customer insights, sales data, and industry trends to optimize the assortment.
• Partner with marketing and sales teams to create engaging promotional plans that drive category performance.

Merchandising, Pricing, Events & Product Innovation

• Build and maintain a best-in-class assortment that balances core offerings with trend-forward innovations across wine, alcohol, beer, spirits, and specialty cheese.
• Develop and execute seasonal and trend-based merchandising plans.
• Foster relationships with suppliers, distributors, cheesemakers, and artisans to bring exclusive and unique products to these categories.
• Partner with marketing teams to design and execute engaging events, campaigns, and tastings that elevate the customer experience and highlight category offerings.
• Develop and implement pricing strategies to optimize profitability and competitiveness while maintaining customer value.
• Set and manage category margins, sales KPIs, and growth objectives for both wine and specialty cheese.
• Oversee product presentation and merchandising strategies across digital and physical platforms.

Operational Oversight

• Monitor category performance, including sales, profitability, and inventory management, to ensure targets are achieved.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to secure favorable terms and maximize profitability.
• Establish and maintain processes for compliance with all regulatory and company standards related to alcohol and cheese sales.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor and develop team members to enhance category expertise and professional growth.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, marketing, operations, and store teams to ensure category alignment with company goals.
• Act as the internal advocate for the wine, alcohol, spirits, and specialty cheese categories, championing their growth and strategic importance.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Manage category budgets, including cost of goods, promotions, and vendor contributions.
• Utilize data analytics and market research to inform pricing, promotion, and placement strategies.
• Develop and execute long-term plans to drive category innovation and market leadership.

Qualifications

Experience:

• 5+ years of category management, buying, or merchandising experience in wine, alcohol, spirits, or specialty cheese. Experience across multiple categories is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of driving category growth and innovation.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of the wine, alcohol, spirits, and specialty cheese industries, including trends, product categories, and regulatory requirements.
• Expertise in assortment planning, merchandising, and supplier relationship management.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret sales data and customer insights.
• Proficient in relevant tools, including category management software, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to develop pricing strategies, manage category margins, and achieve sales KPIs.

Why Apply For This Role?

As our Category Manager for Wine, Alcohol, Spirits, and Specialty Cheese, you will have the opportunity to shape high-impact categories, champion innovation, and lead the way in trend-setting merchandising. You will also collaborate closely with our marketing team to create unique events, campaigns, and experiences that delight customers and drive sales. Additionally, you will play a key role in setting pricing strategies, managing category margins, and driving sales KPIs to ensure overall category success.

Who Are We?

Woodlands Market is more than just a grocery store; we are a community-centered destination for fresh, innovative, and locally inspired products. We are a flourishing Marin County-based employer who believes in supporting our community in many ways. One of these ways is to employ talented individuals from within our communities and surrounding areas. We currently operate grocery stores in Kentfield, Tiburon and San Francisco. We also operate a Pet Shop in San Francisco as well as an off-site kitchen in San Rafael. We engage approximately 330 individuals on staff, many of whom have come to us with an in-depth knowledge of the specialty food industry. These members of our extended Woodlands family and their commitment to community, food, service and to each other are what set us apart from other grocery stores.

Who Are We Looking For?

At Woodlands Market, we are delighted to be able to share our passion for food and fresh produce with our customers. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are looking to continue your career alongside an awesome team, then join the family!

Benefits of working at Woodlands Market include:

• Competitive wages
• Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision Insurance*
• Full-time employees receive a generous benefits package including Health/Dental/Vision Insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and paid holidays
• Holiday premium pay for time worked on recognized holidays
• 20% store discount , 50% shift meal discount*
• $40 subsidy towards non-slip shoes every 90 days.
• Awesome, team-oriented environment
• Opportunities for growth and development
  
  • Must meet minimum hours for some benefits/max lunch discount $6.00

Pay Range: $65,000-$85,000