Assistant Buyer, Apparel

Kroger; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger is seeking a Category Management Associate to collaborate with the buyer on day-to-day category activities, including assortment selection, promotional plans, and the overall vision for sales, inventory and margins. You will support pricing decisions, vendor data, and item setup while ensuring accuracy and strong execution in a fast-paced retail environment.

The role requires a Bachelor's in business or equivalent, or 2 years of retail managerial experience, plus proficiency with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in business or equivalent, or 2 years of retail store managerial experience.
• Strong accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and familiarity with retail terms and processes.
• Completion of development plans for assistant buyer and assistant planner is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the buyer to execute day-to-day category management activities.
• Assist with assortment selection, pricing, merchandising, and promotional plans.
• Review vendor information, costs, and contracts to optimize margins and inventory.
• Oversee item setup, PO receiving, and price checks; coordinate with vendors and internal teams.
• Travel for vendor visits and negotiations as needed.
• Support category leadership to maximize sales, margins, and cost efficiency.

Skills

Accuracy/detail orientation

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree in business or related field

2 years retail store managerial experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Magic

Job description

Work directly with the buyer to execute day‑to‑day category management activities. Collaborate on assortment selection, promotional/advertising plans, and the overall vision to achieve sales, inventory and margin budgets. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

• Collaborate with the buyer in the execution of sales, inventory and margin plans
• Assist the buyer in executing the overall vision for the category (e.g., assortment, pricing, merchandising, advertising/promotion, receipt flow, and margin)
• Complete detailed analysis to determine assortment selection and changes for the enterprise
• Accumulate vendor product information and costs for assortment selection
• Oversee item setup processes and review/confirm details before submitting
• Assist the buyer and corporate pricing analyst with competitive price checks for the enterprise and maintain pricing strategy database
• Determine point of sale (POS) and temporary price reduction (TPR) pricing, clearance and markdown needs and partner with the buyer/planner to get them executed
• Manage the advertising and promotional process for the category using line lists, Ad Space Allocation (ASA), Event Sales Planning (ESP), display plans, etc.
• Coordinate with vendors to obtain merchandise samples for review, e-commerce and advertising
• Evaluate and make vendor return decisions on salvaged merchandise
• Process Form 11 vendor allowances when approved
• Confirm trade point and contracts with the administrative support personnel (ASP) before they are created
• Manage purchase orders and receiving via the on order log, follow up with vendors and communicate any concerns to the entire team (e.g., buyer, planner, replenishment buyer, and assistant planner)
• Research and find solutions for any receiving problems by working with warehouses and/or logistics
• Assist buyer with additional special projects
• Travel for vendor visits and negotiations
• Oversee a sub‑set of the buyer's total categories
• Locate and select assortments for the enterprise and manage vendor relationships to maximize sales, margins and minimize costs for the assigned category

Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Minimum

• Bachelor's Degree in business or 2 years of retail store managerial experience or a combination of relevant education and experience
• Strong accuracy/attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks/projects
• Ability to function in a fast paced, retail/office environment
• Familiarity with retail industry technical terms and processes
• Proficient Microsoft Office skills
• Completed development plan for both assistant buyer and assistant planner

Desired

• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Magic
• Retail store managerial experience