Produce Project Manager

Socket.dev; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Produce Project Manager to lead day-to-day execution, support, communication, and continuous improvement of category initiatives and operations. The role serves as a central coordinator between divisions, suppliers, replenishment teams, category managers, merchandising and cross-functional partners to ensure seamless execution of projects.

Responsibilities include developing timelines, tracking risks, providing planogram support, maintaining documentation, and driving

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in Business, Marketing, Operations or Supply Chain preferred.
• 2+ years of retail grocery or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication and project-tracking skills.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ongoing program execution and operational support.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate project timelines and milestones.
• Lead follow-up activities to ensure on-time deliverables and resolve issues.
• Track risks, dependencies, and opportunities to improve program performance.
• Provide planogram (POG) support and follow-up on execution questions.
• Manage item setup processes and maintain documentation.
• Support SATH, CAO, and other category management systems.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Operations/Supply Chain

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Produce Project Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day execution, support, communication, and continuous improvement of the project and its objectives. This role serves as a central point of coordination between divisions, suppliers, replenishment teams, category managers, merchandising and cross-functional partners to ensure seamless execution of category initiatives and operational processes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Program and Project Management
  • Serve as the primary coordinator for ongoing program execution and operational support
  • Develop, maintain, and communicate project timelines, milestones, and action plans
  • Lead follow-up activities to ensure deliverables are completed on time and issues are quickly resolved
  • Track risks, dependencies, and opportunities to improve program performance
• Division Support & Communication
  • Act as the primary point of contact for division questions and operational support
  • Coordinate communication between divisions and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and execution consistency
  • Facilitate issue resolution and elevate concerns when necessary
• Operational Execution
  • Provide planogram (POG) support and follow-up on execution-related questions
  • Manage item setup processes, monitor progress, and drive timely completion of outstanding requests
  • Maintain and update In/Out management tools and documentation
  • Support retail setup
• Systems & Technical Support
  • Support SATH, CAO, and other category management and replenishment systems
  • Coordinate activations, troubleshooting, and operational maintenance activities
  • Partner with internal teams to ensure system changes are implemented accurately and efficiently
  • Assist with EEMs-related activities and process improvements
• Supplier & Commercial Management
  • Serve as a communication liaison with suppliers regarding operational needs, timelines, and deliverables
  • Coordinate requests for proposal (RFPs) and supplier-related documentation
  • Monitor execution, follow up on outstanding supplier actions, and ensure timely resolution of issues
• Documentation & Process Management
  • Maintain and update the Booking Guide and related operational documentation
  • Develop communication templates and tracking tools
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and enhance program visibility
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Lead and participate in recurring cross-functional meetings
  • Document action items, track commitments, and ensure follow-up completion
  • Partner with merchandising, replenishment, sourcing, operations, suppliers, and category teams to drive successful program execution

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4-year degree in Business Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Economics or equivalent education preferred
• 2+ years of retail grocery experience preferred
• Proficient Microsoft office applications including Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
• Capacity to learn multiple computer systems and web based applications
• Experience functioning in a corporate office environment
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills
• Adaptable to modernizations in technology
• Able to absorb new information and quickly pivot in direction
• Capability to collaborate with others and contribute effectively to a team
• Expert organizational, analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Highly motivated self-starter who can work with minimal supervision
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of an audience from senior level executives, to administrative support
• Experience generating detailed reports and delivering a summary of your findings in both spreadsheet and presentation form
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, prioritize and multi-task

MINIMUM PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

Must be able to:

• remain standing/sitting for several hours at a time
• lift 10-15 lbs. occasionally

DESIRED PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE:

• A blend of grocery merchandising and data analysis experience are desired
• Minimum of 2 years’ grocery experience in a merchandising capacity
• Demonstrated and documented accomplishments in the area of category sales, marketing, management, product development, negotiations, vendor relations, procurement, distribution and merchandising

COMPETENCIES/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 cultures
• Building Strategic Working Relationships – developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
• Building 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 organization
• Communication – clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in the English language
• Customer 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 represent
• Decision 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 consequences
• Inclusion – 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 results
• Initiating Action – taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive; generating innovative solutions in work situations
• Leadership – ability to recognize and provide training opportunities; give clear direction to accomplish assigned tasks; hold others to high standards of accountability and address issues when needed in a way that encourages, not discourages the employee
• Negotiation – effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties
• Self-Starter – working the majority of the time without direct supervision; prioritizing, organizing and completing workload accurately within allotted time period
• Work 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