Buyer, Kitchen

Kroger Family of Companies; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger Family of Companies in Portland, OR is seeking a Category Manager/Buyer to lead budgeted sales, gross margin, and market share for assigned categories. You will supervise staff, develop strategic category plans, and manage vendor relationships to maximize sales and minimize costs.

The role requires a bachelor's degree and experience in buyer/planner functions, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and an ability to navigate fast-paced retail environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in 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 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 selfdirected
• Function in a fastpaced, retail/office environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with retail industry/technical terms and processes
• Ability to organize/prioritize tasks/projects

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coach direct reports; complete performance reviews and provide feedback.
• Develop and communicate corporate strategic category plans with division focus.
• Maintain awareness of sales trends and assess impact on business needs.
• Create business plan for assigned categories; develop sales and ad plans.
• Maintain ESP tools and procedures; review sales, profit and promotions per division.
• Source and select new products; implement pricing strategy and vendor terms.
• Travel for vendor visits, store tours and category markets.
• Collaborate with planner on financial planning and vendor strategies.
• Participate in floor planning and plan-o-gram processes.
• Develop enterprise selling programs for categories and research industry trends.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Time management

Self-motivation

Adaptability

Retail terminology

Communication

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

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-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

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM

• Bachelors 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 selfdirected
• Function in a fastpaced, 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