Buyer, Apparel

Kroger; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger in Portland, OR is seeking a Category Manager to work with planners to develop budgeted sales, gross margin and market share for assigned categories. You will locate and select assortment for the enterprise and manage vendor relationships to maximize sales and margins while controlling costs.

The role also involves supervising and coaching direct reports, developing category plans, monitoring trends, and collaborating on pricing, private label development and store tours across divisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in business or related field required; plus two years' experience as assistant buyer/assistant planner or equivalent
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities; detail-oriented
• Ability to organize/prioritize tasks and work in a fast-paced retail environment

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coach direct reports; complete performance reviews and provide feedback
• Develop and communicate strategic category plans aligned with division needs
• Maintain awareness of sales trends and assess impact on business needs
• Create business and sales plans for assigned categories
• Develop advertising campaigns and display plans for divisions
• Maintain ESP tools and procedures for the division
• Review sales, profit, and promotional performance by division
• Source and select new products; negotiate vendor terms and pricing
• Partner with planner on financial planning and vendor strategies
• Participate in floor planning, plan-o-gram processes, and store tours
• Travel for vendor visits, store tours, and category markets

Skills

Accuracy & attention to detail

Strategic thinking

Leadership & coaching

Time management

Organization

Microsoft Office

Retail industry terms

Education

Bachelor's Degree in business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Work with planner to develop and attain budgeted sales, gross margin and market share for assigned categories. Locate and select assortment for the enterprise and manage vendor relationships to maximize sales/margin and minimize costs. Demonstrate Kroger core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety

• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
• Develop and communicate corporate strategic category plans with a focus on division's needs
• Maintain an awareness of current sales trends and assess impact on business needs
• Create business plan for assigned categories
• Create sales plan, display plans and ad plans customized for each division
• Maintain division-specific Enterprise Sales Planning (ESP) tools and procedures
• Review sales, profit and promotional performance by division
• Source and select new products
• Implement corporate pricing strategy; maintain competitiveness while maximizing sales and profit potential
• Manage vendor relationships for the enterprise, including negotiating vendor allowances, payment terms, in-stocks and orders
• Develop enterprise-specific selling programs for categories
• Partner with planner on financial planning, vendor financial plans and strategies
• Participate in floor planning and plan-o-gram processes
• Maintain a comprehensive awareness of industry trends, the competitive landscape across the enterprise and regional needs
• Lead/participate in store tours
• Develop advertising campaigns; select merchandise to advertise
• Work with the product development team to develop, buy and market private label products across the enterprise
• Research and assist with resolving store/division inquiries
• Travel for vendor visits, store tours and/or category markets
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Minimum

• Bachelor's Degree business or related field plus two years combined assistant buyer and assistant planner experience or a combination of relevant education and experience
• Accuracy/attention to detail
• High level of complexity in in item difficulty, promo intensity, regionality, category innovation, vendor difficulty, sales and EBIT, and growth goals (Level 11)
• Moderate level of complexity in item difficulty, promo intensity, regionality, category innovation, vendor difficulty, sales and EBIT, and growth goals (Level 10
• Low level of complexity in in item difficulty, promo intensity, regionality, category innovation, vendor difficulty, sales and EBIT, and growth goals (Level 9)
• Highly motivated and self-directed
• Function in a fast-paced, retail/office environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with retail industry/technical terms and processes
• Ability to organize/prioritize tasks/projects

Desired

• Familiarity with commodity markets
• Experience directing/participating on project teams