Assistant Buyer, Kitchen

Kroger; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Kroger Co. in Portland, OR is seeking a collaborative assistant buyer to support category management activities. You will work closely with the buyer on sales, inventory and margin plans, assist with assortment and pricing, and coordinate promotional activities to drive performance.

Responsibilities include vendor coordination, sample reviews, order management and problem solving with logistics teams. A strong eye for detail and retail terms are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in business or 2 years of retail store managerial 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 terms and processes
• Completed development plan for both assistant buyer and assistant planner
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Magic

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the buyer in the execution of sales, inventory and margin plans
• Assist the buyer in executing the overall vision for the category (assortment, pricing, merchandising, advertising/promotion, receipt flow, and margin)
• Complete detailed analysis to determine assortment selection and changes for the enterprise
• Manage the advertising and promotional process for the category using line lists, ASA, 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 vendor allowances when approved
• Manage purchase orders and receiving via the on order log, follow up with vendors and communicate concerns to the team
• Research and solve receiving problems with warehouses/logistics
• Travel for vendor visits and negotiations
• Oversee a sub-set of the buyer’s total categories
• Locate and select assortments and manage vendor relationships to maximize sales and margins

Skills

Detail orientation

Organizational skills

Prioritization

Retail knowledge

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business

Retail management experience (2+ yrs)

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications

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
• Completed development plan for both assistant buyer and assistant planner
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Magic

Job Info

• Job Identification 249092
• Job Category Category Management/Merchandising
• Posting Date 11/04/2026, 07:18 PM
• Locations 3800 SE 22nd Ave, Portland, OR, 97202, US (On-site)

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

• A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
• Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
• Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching.
• Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
• Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
• Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

From one tiny Cincinnati grocery store more than a century ago, we’ve grown into what today is the nation’s largest grocer with nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states operating under 28 different names. As America’s grocer, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.
Here, people matter. That’s why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you’re caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.
Whether you’re seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we’ve got a fresh opportunity for you.