Strategic Sourcing Category Manager, eCommerce Technology

Kroger; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger is seeking an experienced procurement leader to optimize category strategy, manage supplier relationships, and drive savings across key spend areas. The role collaborates with business stakeholders to meet strategic goals and improve cash flow.

The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation, finance, and supply chain expertise and lead a team to deliver measurable value while upholding Kroger’s values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.
• 5 years’ experience within the pertinent category.
• Strong ability to build impactful relationships with internal clients and key influencers.
• MBA or Master’s degree preferred; CPM/CSCP certification favored.

Responsibilities

• Define and review procurement strategy and project pipeline.
• Perform periodic financial reviews to assess category performance.
• Coordinate sourcing activities and manage analysts to achieve goals.
• Negotiate and execute highly complex contracts with suppliers.
• Lead SRM activities to create value and drive savings.
• Oversee procurement process metrics and insights.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation

Financial analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Supply Chain

MBA or Master’s degree

CPM/CPSM, CSCP or equivalent certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

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