Produce Project Manager

plmarketing; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger is seeking a Produce Project Manager to lead day-to-day execution and continuous improvement of projects within the corporate office. You will coordinate divisions, suppliers, and replenishment teams to ensure timely, accurate category initiatives and processes.

The role requires working at Kroger's Corporate Office at least two days per week in a hybrid environment, with responsibilities spanning program management, communication, operational execution, and system support.

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 in a corporate office environment.
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills.
• Adaptable to modernization in technology.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of an audience.
• Experience generating detailed reports and presenting findings in spreadsheets and presentations.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and multitask.

Responsibilities

• 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 timely completion of deliverables and quick issue resolution.
• Track risks, dependencies, and opportunities to improve program performance.
• Act as the contact for division questions and operational support.
• Coordinate communication between divisions and cross-functional teams.
• Facilitate issue resolution and escalate concerns when needed.
• Provide planogram (POG) support and follow up on execution questions.
• Manage item setup processes and drive timely completion of requests.
• Maintain and update In/Out management tools and documentation.
• Support retail setup.
• Support SATH, CAO, and other category management systems.
• Coordinate activations, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities.
• Partner with internal teams to implement system changes accurately.
• Assist with EEMs-related activities and process improvements.
• Serve as a liaison with suppliers on needs and timelines.
• Coordinate RFPs and supplier documentation.
• Monitor execution and resolve supplier actions.
• Maintain Booking Guide and related documentation.
• Develop communication templates and tracking tools.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and program visibility.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional meetings.
• Document action items and ensure follow-up.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Adaptability

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Communication

Reporting

Retail grocery experience

Problem solving

Education

4-year degree in Business Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Economics or equivalent education

Tools

SATH

CAO

Category management systems

ERP systems

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:

This hybrid position requires you to work at Kroger's Corporate Office (Store Support Center) at least two days per week.

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

Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

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:

• 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 Di