Buyer, Kitchen

Kroger; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Paid time off and holiday pay

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Kroger in Portland, OR, seeks a Category Manager/Merchandising professional to lead budgeted sales, margin, and market share for assigned categories. You will manage vendor relationships, pricing strategy, and private label development across the enterprise.

Responsibilities include leading a team, developing strategic category plans, and collaborating with planners on financial strategies and store programs. On-site role with travel to vendor visits and category markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field with two years combined assistant buyer and assistant planner experience.
• Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and familiar with retail terms and processes.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks/projects.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coach direct reports; conduct performance reviews.
• Develop and communicate strategic category plans aligned to division needs.
• Monitor sales trends and assess impact on business requirements.
• Create business and sales plans for assigned categories.
• Produce display and ad plans tailored to each division.
• Manage ESP tools and evaluate performance by division.
• Source and select new products; negotiate vendor terms.
• Partner with planner on financial planning and vendor strategies.
• Travel for vendor visits, store tours and category markets.

Skills

Accuracy/attention to detail

Highly motivated

Self-directed

Fast-paced environment

Microsoft Office

Retail industry terms

Organize/prioritize tasks

Commodity markets familiarity

Project teams experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in business or related field

Two years combined assistant buyer and assistant planner experience

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

Responsibilities

• 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‑ogram 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

Qualifications

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

Job Info

• Job Identification 238644
• Job Category Category Management/Merchandising
• Posting Date 10/08/2026, 05:57 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.