Strategic Sourcing Category Management Manager

Kroger; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger is seeking a Category Manager to lead category strategy, optimize the supplier base, and drive savings. You will negotiate contracts, coordinate sourcing events, and oversee SRM initiatives while mentoring analysts and ensuring compliance with corporate policies.

The role requires a Bachelor's and MBA (or equivalent), plus 5+ years in procurement or supply chain, with strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Retail, CPG, or related disciplines.
• 5 years’ experience within the pertinent category.
• MBA or Master’s degree.
• CPM/CPSM, CSCP or equivalent certification.
• 5 years’ experience in Supply Chain or Procurement.

Responsibilities

• Category Management and strategic procurement with stakeholders.
• Define and review procurement strategy and project pipeline.
• Perform periodic financial reviews of category performance.
• Identify suppliers to improve cash flow and gross margin.
• Negotiate and execute complex contracts with suppliers.
• Lead SRM activities, drive savings, and manage supplier relationships.
• Coach and supervise analysts and ensure compliance with policies.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Retail, CPG, or related disciplines

MBA or Master’s degree

5 years’ experience in Supply Chain or Procurement

Oral and written communication skills

Ability to build impactful relationship with internal clients

CPM/CPSM, CSCP or equivalent certification

Job description

Utilize category specific expertise to work with business stakeholders to determine category strategy, optimize supplier base, conduct sourcing events, negotiate and support contract execution. Achieve savings targets and reducing spend while working with business stakeholders to meet business needs. Demonstrate the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Category Management
• Support the senior manager in defining and reviewing procurement strategy and project pipeline
• Perform periodic financial reviews to assess category financial performance with the senior manager
• Identify potential suppliers to extend payment terms, improve cash conversion cycle, and enhance gross margin
• Implement supplier finance and discount programs with a focus on cash flow, interest payable, and working capital
• Strategic Sourcing
• Coordinate sourcing activities and manage analysts to achieve category goals
• Coordinate sourcing strategy review and ensure that strategy documents are updated
• Support the creation, execution, and communication of category management strategy for pertinent category
• Drive internal compliance with policies, procedures, strategies, and guidelines on an ongoing basis
• Contract Management
• Negotiate and execute highly complex and visible contracts with suppliers
• Coordinate identified improvement opportunities, risk/mitigation strategies and develop action plans
• Lead execution of SRM activities to create value, drive continuous improvement, and realize savings
• Lead business relationships with suppliers, foster long-term involvement and creating value
• Oversee supplier qualification with support of the business and develop a transition plan and execution of supply agreement
• Procurement Process
• Develop, deepen and maintain trusted and collaborative relationships with business partners to ensure the organization is seen as a valued partner and is involved in business decisions
• Oversee procurement process metrics, insights and proposed actions to define implementation plan
• Maintain knowledge of other initiatives in Kroger that may affect the category performance
• Talent Management
• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties: complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
• Create an effective work environment by developing a common vision, communicating of clear objectives, fostering teamwork, recognizing performance, providing on the job coaching
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Qualifications

Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Retail, CPG, or related disciplines
• 5 years’ experience within the pertinent category
• Ability to build impactful relationship with internal clients, key influencers to effectively execute the work
• Oral and written communication skills to formulate strategies in a complex business environment
• MBA or Master’s degree
• CPM/CPSM, CSCP or equivalent certification
• 5 years’ experience in Supply Chain or Procurement