Assistant Category Manager: Data-Driven Merch & Assortment

Kroger Family of Companies; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger Family of Companies seeks a buyer for a discrete category to support category managers with assortment planning, pricing, promotions, and data analysis. You will coordinate with vendors, 84.51 and internal teams to gather inputs and drive results.

In this role you’ll help develop plan-o-grams, monitor SKU performance, and assist with demand forecasts and budget discussions. Proficiency with NEXT and Stratum is preferred, and strong communication is essential.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of replenishment buying/procurement or related experience.
• Intermediate knowledge of Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Make recommendations on assortment/plan-o-grams for a smaller category area.
• Manage data analysis and day-to-day communication with vendors and divisions.
• Validate local requests with data analysis and align on KPIs with the division.
• Support plan-o-gram process and organize templates/communications.
• Monitor SKU performance and provide feedback to CM for adjustments.
• Suggest category budgets, forecasts and respond to market trends.
• Assist with ad-hoc analysis to support pricing decisions or competitor moves.
• Be proficient across systems (NEXT, Stratum, etc.).
• Support CM in driving promotional strategy and inform future spend.
• Review ad performance, shelf capacity, and store display data for promos.
• Assist in supply chain issue resolution with replenishment and direction.
• Organize information sharing with vendors and forecast needs.

Skills

Replenishment buying

Merchandising

Vendor communication

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

NEXT

Stratum

84.51

Job description

Kroger Family of Companies seeks a buyer for a discrete category to support category managers with assortment planning, pricing, promotions, and data analysis. You will coordinate with vendors, 84.51 and internal teams to gather inputs and drive results.

In this role you’ll help develop plan-o-grams, monitor SKU performance, and assist with demand forecasts and budget discussions. Proficiency with NEXT and Stratum is preferred, and strong communication is essential.