Assistant Category Merchant

Assistant Category Merchant

Location: Austin, TX 78703

Schedule: Full-time, Onsite (M-F, 8am-5pm)

Pay: $28-$30/hr

Contract: Through 6/30/2026

The Assistant Category Merchant contractor will support an entire Sub-team (family of business), not a single assigned category. This role provides cross-team support and contributes to workstreams that span multiple categories within the Sub-team. The ACM supports the Category Merchants in planning and executing category strategy, assortment planning, pricing and promotions, cost negotiations, and quality standards and compliance processes. The role is also responsible for financial reporting and analysis in joint business performance accountability with Category Merchants.

This position collaborates extensively with Inventory Planning, Merchandise Presentation & Execution, Operations, Local Foragers, Quality Standards & Quality Assurance, Enterprise Analytics, Marketing, and supplier and distributor partners to effectively deliver on Sub-team and category goals.

• Supports category, merchandising, promotional, and pricing strategy development, analysis, and execution across the full Sub-team.
• Provides cross-team support on shared workstreams, projects, and initiatives spanning multiple categories within the Sub-team.
• Supports assortment planning including supplier line reviews, assortment analysis, stakeholder collaboration, item planning, and forecasting.
• Works with internal partners to translate assortment plans into merchandising plans and supports project execution.
• Plans and executes logistics for key events such as supplier line reviews, supplier meetings, and sampling events.
• Maintains supplier contact lists and supports supplier communication, including meeting setup, call notes, and recaps.
• Supports new-item distribution designations during the assortment planning process.
• Maintains and updates system content and assists with necessary documentation, reporting, and item files.
• Facilitates information sharing across all applicable stakeholders within the Sub-team.
• Assists with category resets, revision processes, promotions, sample management, and data organization.
• Performs and/or assists with data analysis and reporting.
• Supports leadership and Category Merchants with cross-team assignments and prioritized tasks.
• Seeks guidance and support as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Highly detail-oriented with strong planning and execution skills.
• Collaborative team player with a positive attitude.
• Excellent written, verbal, and listening communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with retail software solutions.
• Passion for Organics, Fair Trade, Quality Standards, and the Natural Foods industry.
• Understanding of category management (retail or grocery environment) concepts and practices.
• Demonstrates intellectual and analytical curiosity.
• Ability to read financial reports, identify business trends, and interpret underlying drivers of results.
  
  

• BA/BS degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience.
• Back-office management experience in a grocery or retail environment preferred.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. For unincorporated Los Angeles county, to the extent our customers require a background check for certain positions, the Company faces a significant risk to its business operations and business reputation unless a review of criminal history is conducted for those specific job positions.