Lead Planner, Merchandising & Financial Planning

Kroger; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger in Portland, OR is seeking a Category Financial Planner to partner with buyers to develop annual and weekly plans for GM categories. You will forecast sales, manage gross margin, and coordinate initiatives across divisions to align with corporate goals.

You will analyze performance, support advertising, re-forecast in-season results, and work with replenishment to optimize inventory. Travel to markets and vendor meetings is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field.
• Two years of combined assistant buyer/planner experience.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coach direct reports; complete performance reviews and provide feedback.
• Create/manage financial plans by period, incl. sales, gross margin and turnover.
• Create/manage assortment plans; perform product allocation for department stores.
• Provide analysis to drive enterprise sales, margin and inventory strategies.
• Support advertising/display plans; optimize on-floor presentations and turnover.
• Re-forecast in-season sales and margins; address improvement opportunities.
• Reconcile department store open-to-buy; communicate status to stakeholders.
• Analyze seasonal/fashion categories; plan for following season.
• Facilitate team meetings; coordinate with planning and replenishment teams.
• Create/manage sales markdown reports/forecasts for department stores.
• Determine plan-o-gram minimums; communicate results to vendors.
• Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape.
• Analyze promotion/markdown results to support business goals.
• Ensure new/remodeled stores are planned; optimize inventory allocation.
• Travel to markets and for vendor appointments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Retail knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Kroger in Portland, OR is seeking a Category Financial Planner to partner with buyers to develop annual and weekly plans for GM categories. You will forecast sales, manage gross margin, and coordinate initiatives across divisions to align with corporate goals.

You will analyze performance, support advertising, re-forecast in-season results, and work with replenishment to optimize inventory. Travel to markets and vendor meetings is required.