Merchandising Analyst

P.L. Marketing; Newport (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

P.L. Marketing is seeking a data-driven professional in Newport, KY to support Kroger Our Brands strategies and sales planning. The role involves leveraging insights to drive sales growth, margin, and promotional execution with Kroger’s Corporate Category Managers and Sourcing teams.

You will work in a hybrid environment, collaborate with suppliers, and contribute to pricing strategies and merchandising opportunities. A 4-year degree and strong Excel proficiency are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; strong analytical capabilities.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for data analysis and reporting.
• Experience in retail grocery or consumer marketing is preferred.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Support sales planning with data-driven insights.
• Aid development of sales plans and promotions for Kroger Our Brands.
• Coordinate communications between PL Marketing and Kroger stakeholders.
• Assist in drafting TradePoint promotional contracts and cost-change documents.
• Represent PL Marketing to Kroger suppliers and internal teams.

Skills

Excel Proficiency

PowerPoint

Data Analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Education

4-year degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Word

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:Utilize customer insights and competitive market data to drive increased sales, margin, and share growth of Kroger Our Brands products within assigned categories. Provide both analytical and technical support for a number of Kroger Corporate Managers, to include Corporate Category Managers, Category Strategy Managers (CSM), and Sourcing Managers and assist them in the development of the sales plan and execution of promotions. Aggressively recommend the introduction of new products and additional merchandising opportunities for the categories in which you participate. Professionally represent PLM and its suppliers to Kroger, and actively facilitate communications with numerous suppliers/vendors/internal PLM team members.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:This hybrid position will be required to work in our Corporate Office at least one half day per week based on your team’s scheduleSupport sales planning process with internal and external data-driven insights.Performs research related to consumer behavior and trends, and shares those insights with key stakeholders within PL Marketing to aid in the continuous improvements of Our Brands initiatives.Continually educate self and team in new processes and data sources.Gain expertise in all facets of the grocery industry through both internal and external sources.Develop the skills to present commodity insights and strategies to Kroger personnel.Understand the role/process of Our Brands as it relates to the Kroger Category Management Sales Planning process.Leverage your own expertise and those of the PL Marketing team to enable Kroger's Category Managers, Corporate Brand Managers and Category Strategy Managers (CSM) to reach their sales goals and stated objectives. Influence the development of pricing strategies, annual promotional campaigns and period sales plans designed to achieve financial targets.Communicate the sales plans and strategies of the categories you represent to the Kroger Division PLM teams. Facilitate successful execution of all promotional and merchandising activities in the sales plan at the retail level.Work with sourcing manager in effective communication with Divisions buyers/suppliers in consistent flow of product inventory.Work with Administrative Support Personnel (ASP) to accurately submit TradePoint promotional contracts, ESP & cost changes that reflect agreed upon events supported by Category Team.Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodationMINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:4 year degree or equivalent combination of education and experienceDegree in Business, Statistics, Marketing or Economics preferred2 + years of retail grocery experience preferredExpert knowledge of Excel, Word and PowerPointKnowledge of internet, email and web based applicationsUnderstanding of Corporate Brands and their role in Kroger’s strategy preferredStrong organizational and teamwork skillsStrong analytical and problem solving skillsHighly motivated self-starter who can work with minimal supervisionAbility to communicate effectively with all levels of an audience from senior level executives, to administrative supportAbility to prioritize and multi-taskMINIMUM PHYSICAL ABILITIES:Must be able to:Remain standing/sitting for several hours at a timeLift 10-15 lbs. occasionallyCOMPETENCIES/SKILLS:Some of the Competencies/Skills required to successfully perform this position are:Adaptability – maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or culturesBuilding Strategic Working Relationships – developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goalsBuilding Trust – interacting with Kroger employees, customers and suppliers in a way that gives Kroger Division and Corporate Management confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organizationCommunication – clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in the English languageCustomer Focus – making Kroger customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive relationships with Kroger employees as well as the suppliers that we representDecision Making – identifying and understanding issues, problems and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequencesInclusion – appreciating and leveraging the capabilities, insights and ideas of all individuals; working effectively with individuals of diverse style, ability and motivation for a direct effect on business resultsInitiating Action – taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive; generating innovative solutions in work situationsSelf-Starter – working the majority of the time without direct supervision; prioritizing, organizing and completing workload accurately within allotted time periodWork Standards – setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed