Metro Marketing and Community Relations

Job DescriptionProvide leadership and guidance to Marketing Team Members in stores, with particular attention to mentorship and development of the Marketing Team Leaders. This Team Member is responsible for field marketing strategy and implementation for 3 or more stores in a defined metro (Metro 1: Boise, ID, El Paso, Texas and Wichita, Kansas; Metro 2: Colorado Springs, CO, Basalt, CO, Frisco, CO). The position requires up to 50% travel, with a minimum of 35%—weighted by driving or flight, and dependent on the metro being served. This position requires monthly field visits, 2 days minimum per store, as well as a weekly status call with store and regional leadership to report on outcomes. The position requires expert project management and communication skills with diverse groups of audiences and the ability to meet all deadlines with minimal oversight. Candidates should have a proven track record in operational marketing execution, community relations, advertising, retail merchandising, social media engagement and content creation, brand management, and project management. Candidate is responsible for the cultivation and facilitation of all community partnerships, giving days, and donations in alignment with regional and global strategies. Candidate is also responsible for creating a quarterly business plan in partnership with regional leadership and store operations, and to identify, plan and execute a minimum of 2 external events per store over the course of the fiscal year. This candidate will also schedule pop-up and sampling events to drive sales for each business unit monthly. This position is based in the Rocky Mountain regional Whole Foods Market office and is eligible for remote work, provided that the Candidate performs his or her job duties while not on field visits from within a store in the Rocky Mountain region during normal business hours. This is a salaried, full-time position and full hours and availability are required. Additional tasks may include new store opening support and other regional projects as assigned, as well as additional travel in addition to the amounts stated. Principle Duties and Responsibilities: General Planning & Marketing * Partner with the Regional Marketing team, Store Leadership and ECs of Operations to implement regional and national marketing initiatives in metro stores. Collaborate with regional marketing to support internal and external marketing programs and promotional efforts including community relations, public relations, 5% Community Giving Days and events in metro stores. * Collaborate with Store Team Leaders, Associate Coordinators and Team Members to develop individual store-specific strategies best-suited for particular stores as well as shared metro strategies that reinforce Whole Foods Market's external footprint. * Maintain constant lines of communication and ongoing dialogues with Regional Marketing leadership, STLs/ASTLs and ECs of Ops for assigned stores around opportunities, challenges, and goals. * Provide strategic marketing direction, expertise and support to stores in the metro. * Build WFM brand in the metro and deepen company's footprint in community. * Strategize, create and implement marketing plans, events, promotions and advertising designed to increase items per basket, transactions, and brand awareness of Whole Foods Market in the trade area defined. * Create and execute metro event and partnership opportunities, ensuring optimal ROI. * Create and execute out-of-store marketing events. Facilitate in-store marketing events executed by other Team Members. * Develop quarterly marketing plans, manage budgets and hit stated targets outlined by Marketing and Operations leadership. * Prepare quarterly marketing achievement reports. * Partner with Regional Marketing and Operations leadership to develop competitive opening, cannibalization and store remodel marketing plans. * Assist with and/or lead store opening marketing initiatives. * Maintain working knowledge of each assigned store's demographics, key metrics and shopping patterns. * Act as a continuous source of creative ideas and solutions to increase store sales and brand awareness/image, through marketing and promotional opportunities. Community Marketing & Partnerships (Outreach) * Responsible for external relationships, sponsorships, events and partnerships in metro. * Partner with region and stores to represent WFM among civic, charitable and government organizations. * Create and execute metro sponsorships and charitable giving/donations initiatives. * Maintain win-win relationships with key community partners. * Coordinate 5% Days and other fundraising events to build strong partnerships with mission-aligned nonprofits in the community. * Ensure that Local suppliers are well-represented as such in metro stores. * Create and execute programs and events that call attention to Local suppliers. Digital & Social Media/Metro Media Relations and Digital Marketing * Create social media strategies in partnership with Regional Social Media Specialist and execute social media and copywriting tasks in full alignment with regional editorial calendar, on deadline. * Work with Regional Social Media Specialist to implement daily social strategy and monitor store social accounts; respond to all customer care comments and inquiries within 24 hours with professionalism. * Update and manage store web pages as needed with store and metro promotions and event information. In Store Marketing & Brand Standards * Support and strengthen Whole Foods Market's brand standards in stores. * Collaborate with Store Team Leaders to develop store-specific strategies best suited for their particular store and community. * Maintain working knowledge of Store Graphic Artists systems and responsibilities. * Provide leadership and participate in the development, execution and analysis of regional marketing initiatives such as advertising, public relations, promotions that involve negotiations with third-party marketing partners, sponsorships, community relations and cause-based marketing. * Shop competition for quality standards, pricing and community outreach efforts as requested. Policy & Administrative Responsibilities* * Report weekly activity, travel, store issues, project status to Marketing AC * Establish and maintain a positive work environment that sustains high Team Member morale * Inspire and guide store teams to execute the highest level of retail marketing * Provide timely, thoughtful, and thorough performance evaluations for self and other colleagues' Job Dialogues * Manage personal travel budget * Responsible for proper dress code, including non-slip shoes during each work shift in stores * Follow and comply with all applicable health and sanitation procedures and adhere to safe work practices Knowledge, skills and abilities required: * 3 - 5 years professional marketing experience * Ability to travel up to 50% * Superior communications skills, especially with store operations personnel * Strict adherence to deadlines * Clear, concise and timely email communication * Public speaking ability * Substantial understanding of grocery retail operations * Previous, relevant consumer marketing experience with strategic responsibilities * High degree of self-direction, self-motivation and emotional strength * Demonstrated history of pro-actively seeking advice, knowledge, resources * Well-developed collaboration skills * Whole Foods Market operations savvy * Passion for Whole Foods Market team members and their development * Dedication to Whole Foods Market's brand and mission * Knowledge of Whole Foods Market's culture, core values and product * Passion for food and knowledge of food & food issues * Ability to organize, strategize and facilitate effective meetings * Ability to keep teams on track in accordance with brand standards * Ability to make sound decisions in a timely manner in a rapidly changing marketplace and often ambiguous circumstances * Courage and self-confidence * Great judgment and discretion * Creativity and ability to develop ideas into actionable marketing plans * Retail management and visual merchandising experience * Demonstrated leadership in conflict resolution * Exemplary communication skills * Outstanding organizational skills * Social and digital media and PR expertise * A strong sense of urgency * Ability to work professionally with a wide range of internal and external personalities * Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced environment * Approachable and capable of finding solutions in a timely manner * Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office applications & strong PC skills * Flexible schedule and ability to travel: nights, weekends, on call * Degree in business/marketing ideal but not required 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, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the position to be filled.