Fresh Produce Sourcing Manager

Kroger; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Flexible scheduling

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Kroger in Cincinnati is seeking a Procurement Specialist to enhance category management and drive sourcing strategies. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 5 years of experience.

Kroger offers comprehensive benefits, including healthcare coverage, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for professional growth through extensive training programs.

Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience in procurement or supply chain management.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to build impactful relationships.

Responsibilities

• Support senior manager in procurement strategy.
• Negotiate and execute contracts with suppliers.
• Develop relationships with business partners.

Skills

Relationship Building

Microsoft Office Suite

Oral and Written Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related fields

Job description

Overview

Utilize category specific expertise to work with business stakeholders to determine category strategy, optimize supplier base, conduct sourcing events, negotiate and support contract execution. Achieve savings targets and reduce spend while meeting business needs. Demonstrate the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Category Management
  • Support the senior manager in defining and reviewing procurement strategy and project pipeline
  • Perform periodic financial reviews to assess category financial performance with the senior manager
  • Identify potential suppliers to extend payment terms, improve cash conversion cycle, and enhance gross margin
  • Implement supplier finance and discount programs with a focus on cash flow, interest payable, and working capital
• Strategic Sourcing
  • Coordinate sourcing activities and manage analysts to achieve category goals
  • Coordinate sourcing strategy review and ensure that strategy documents are updated
  • Support the creation, execution, and communication of category management strategy for pertinent category
  • Drive internal compliance with policies, procedures, strategies, and guidelines on an ongoing basis
• Contract Management
  • Negotiate and execute highly complex and visible contracts with suppliers
  • Coordinate identified improvement opportunities, risk/mitigation strategies and develop action plans
  • Lead execution of SRM activities to create value, drive continuous improvement, and realize savings
  • Lead business relationships with suppliers, foster long‑term involvement and create value
  • Oversee supplier qualification with support of the business and develop a transition plan and execution of supply agreement
• Procurement Process
  • Develop, deepen and maintain trusted and collaborative relationships with business partners to ensure the organization is seen as a valued partner and is involved in business decisions
  • Oversee procurement process metrics, insights and proposed actions to define implementation plan
  • Maintain knowledge of other initiatives in Kroger that may affect category performance
• Talent Management
  • Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties: complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
  • Create an effective work environment by developing a common vision, communicating clear objectives, fostering teamwork, recognizing performance, and providing on‑the‑job coaching
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Qualifications

• Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Retail, CPG, or related disciplines
  • 5 years’ experience within the pertinent category
  • Ability to build impactful relationship with internal clients and key influencers to effectively execute the work
  • Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio)
  • Oral and written communication skills to formulate strategies in a complex business environment
• Desired:
  • MBA or Master’s degree
  • CPM/CPSM, CSCP or equivalent certification
  • 5 years’ experience in Supply Chain or Procurement
  • 3 years of leading a sourcing team

Benefits

• 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.

Job Info

• Job Identification 176540
• Job Category Accounting/Finance
• Posting Date 06/24/2026, 12:52 PM
• Locations 221 E 4th St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, US (On‑site)