At Whole Foods Market, we're revolutionizing the future of grocery e-commerce through innovative automation solutions. We're seeking a Senior Program Manager to join our E-Commerce organization in Austin, TX, to drive the strategic business case and execution of our automated micro-fulfillment initiatives. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, finance, and operations – you'll own the comprehensive business case for our in-store automation model while leading transformational programs that expand customer choice and delivery capabilities.

You'll serve as the strategic architect behind our automation investments, partnering closely with Finance, Design & Construction, Engineering, Supply Chain, Store Operations, and Product & Technology teams to develop assumptions, build financial models, and drive decision-making for large-scale automation initiatives. Additionally, you'll lead strategic fulfillment innovation programs aimed at expanding product selection and enhancing the customer experience.

The ideal candidate will bring strong financial acumen, strategic thinking, and exceptional program management capabilities to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives across Whole Foods Market and Amazon. Success in this role requires experience building and maintaining business cases, synthesizing diverse stakeholder inputs into actionable recommendations, and delivering end-to-end solutions that drive measurable business impact.

Key job responsibilities
Business Case & Financial Strategy
• Own and maintain the comprehensive business case for in-store automation, including financial modeling, ROI analysis, assumption development, and ongoing updates
• Develop and validate assumptions through data analysis, stakeholder collaboration, and industry benchmarking
• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate cost modeling, forecasting, and budget management
• Present business cases, investment recommendations, and program updates to senior leadership

Program Leadership
• Lead strategic fulfillment and assortment expansion initiatives to enhance customer selection and delivery experience
• Drive program roadmaps, success metrics, milestones, and reporting frameworks
• Manage program timelines, budgets, dependencies, and risk mitigation strategies
• Launch micro-fulfillment operations in new locations, ensuring successful ramp and adoption

Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management
• Synthesize inputs from Finance, Design & Construction, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Store teams to inform strategy and decision-making
• Build constructive business relationships across Whole Foods Market and Amazon partner teams
• Facilitate alignment across diverse stakeholder groups with competing priorities
• Identify potential risks, gaps, and opportunities; drive solutions and process improvements

Operational Excellence & Insights
• Drive and own critical operational metrics, delivering insights to leadership and stakeholders
• Create and maintain program documentation, including business requirements, SOPs, and communication materials
• Develop weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting for E-commerce automation programs
• Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape to inform strategy and innovation

Skills & Competencies:
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and ability to connect initiatives to broader organizational goals
• Resourceful self-starter who thrives in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
• Financial modeling and business case development expertise
• Exceptional ability to influence without authority and build partnerships across diverse teams
• Agile problem solver who identifies systematic improvements and drives implementation
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and sense of urgency
• Enthusiastic ambassador of Whole Foods Market Core Values, Leadership Principles, and Culture

E-Commerce Program Manager