MFG PLANT BUYER (HOURLY)

Kroger; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Kroger, a leading U.S. retailer, seeks a procurement professional to optimize raw materials, ingredients, and packaging purchases. You will assess market conditions, coordinate supplier relationships, and maintain economical inventories aligned with quality standards.

The role requires 2+ years in production operations, bakery knowledge, and strong communication skills. On-site at Cincinnati facilities, offering comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2 years of prior experience in production operations.
• Basic knowledge of bakery operations and production processes.
• Basic math skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to understand complex verbal and written instructions.
• Previous food manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and evaluate projected finished product requirements and maintain adequate inventory.
• Advise management on market and business conditions.
• Search and develop sources of market information to guide purchasing decisions.
• Maintain price lists and quotations, solicit quotes, and reconcile invoices.
• Negotiate short-term contracts and coordinate shipments to control inventory.
• Coordinate commodity requirements with procurement and sales teams.
• Establish and maintain positive vendor relations and evaluate performance.
• Conduct annual physical inventory of central stock.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and safety initiatives.

Skills

Production experience

Communication skills

Math skills

Understand complex instructions

Food manufacturing experience

Bakery knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Responsible for buying raw materials, ingredient items, and packaging at the optimum value to maximize profit. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, obtain, and evaluate projected finished product requirements, maintain economic inventory levels beyond immediate operational requirements, and maintain a continuity of supply of procured raw materials and packaging at a reasonable cost consistent with quality specifications and operations requirements
• Advise management on market and business conditions
• Search and develop sources of market information; study, analyze and interpret trends and market movement to generate sound purchasing decisions
• Maintain price list and price quotations, to include soliciting and analyzing quotations, resolving invoice discrepancies, and maintaining market pricing and purchasing records
• Negotiate short-term contracts, consolidate shipments, expedite and coordinate changes, and control commodity inventory beyond immediate production requirements
• Coordinate commodities requirements with Corporate Brands Sourcing and Procurement Category Managers and General Sales Managers
• Establish and maintain positive vendor relations, to include evaluating performance, interviewing representatives, reconciling complaints and adjustments, originating communications, visiting vendor facilities, and arranging and participating in meetings between vendor representatives, and plant and company personnel
• Conduct annual physical inventory of all central stock
• Comply with all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and procedures
• Participate in and actively support all Safety and Reliability initiatives
• Schedule all inbound finished product
• Balance delivery loads and times while staying within shift limits
• Manage inventory at satellite warehouses for regular movement, weekly distributions, sales promotions, and customer request orders
• Balance deliveries with shipping requirements at warehouse as well as receiving parameters of each warehouse
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements.
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF.
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

Minimum

• High school diploma or GED
• 2 years of prior experience in production operations.
• Basic knowledge of bakery operations and production processes.
• Basic math skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to understand complex verbal and written instructions.
• Previous food manufacturing experience.

Job Info

• Job Identification 229872
• Job Category Manufacturing
• Posting Date 09/15/2026, 12:39 PM
• Locations 1212 State Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45204, 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.