The Business Integration Lead will ensure Merchandising, Merchandising Operations, Retail Operations and Tech alignment as well as lead the Change Management effort for the Purchasing Evolution program at Whole Foods Market. As an expert in multiple business areas, the Business Integration Lead will be the source for understanding the major merchandising initiatives, their scope and sub-projects as well as the impact to the company’s operations and organizational structure. The Business Integration Lead will play a key role in ensuring key strategic initiatives meet business and project objectives on time and on budget by increasing Team Member speed of adoption. This position will work on several projects and change deliverables simultaneously under the Category Management and Purchasing Evolution umbrellas and ensure timely completion of all project goals. The Business Integration Lead will work with, and provide guidance to, the Business Process Analysts, Communication Specialists and Instructional Design and Content Creation Specialists to create actionable deliverables based on Change Management assessments and plans. They will also create and/or provide input to deliverables working closely with project, training, and communications resources. While the Business Integration Lead does not have direct supervisory responsibility, this person must be comfortable working in a matrixed environment, and acting as a coach to global, regional and store leaders helping them in their roles as leaders and sponsors of change. This position will be responsible for identifying, understanding and facilitating business process change leading to single business practices across regions where appropriate.
This position is located in Austin, Texas.

Will Do:

• Serve as the lead business expert for Merchandising Evolution which includes all of Category Management, Org alignment, Training, Communications
• Work with internal Tech Team, key Stakeholders and other partners to develop Change Management strategy for each major sub-project under Merchandising. This would include Change Impact Summaries, Communication and Training Plans as well post-assessment activities to facilitate successful adoption of new initiatives by the business
• Become an expert in multiple business areas to facilitate understanding of business requirements and operational decisions needed as well as facilitate agreement on companywide processes in support of the policies and procedures under Category Management or Merchandising initiatives
• Develop strategic, collaborative partnerships with regional business partners to understand their business needs and priorities in support of Change Management activities
• Collaborate with Business Process Analysts on assigned projects to understand the Change Management impact of process changes and incorporate into action plans
• Execute Change Management plans and activities in support of change and adoption activities
• Create communication and training collateral at times on own and at times with communication and/or training expert support
• Support and coach managers and leaders in their change sponsorship role
• Present Change Management information and updates to a variety of audiences including Steering Committees and Regional and Global Leadership groups
• Collaborate with business partners on systems deployment plans and coordinate successful execution of rollout schedules
• Present project information and updates to a variety of audiences including Regional and Global Leadership groups
• Escalate Change Management related risks as appropriate

Must Have/Be:

• Experience leading and implementing large scale process related Change Management initiatives, preferably in retail operations, supply chain, and/or purchasing
• Retail business experience preferably in restaurants, purchasing, operations, inventory management or finance
• Ability to look at big picture to determine holistic Change Management implications of multiple sub-projects
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including a demonstrated strength in presenting complex concepts and ideas to a variety of audiences
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively in a matrixed environment with many different business entities across the organization
• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to respond quickly and appropriately to shifting priorities
• A passion for advocating for our Team Members and their needs
• Previous success building consensus amongst groups with differing points of view
• A passion for Whole Foods Market and a sense of ownership for the success of the business
• Experience with business process re-engineering
• Six Sigma, Project Management, Prosci Change Management, or Instructional Design certification is preferred but not required
• Ability to travel to various stores and regions up to 40% at times

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.