three sixty Merchandising Specialist

P.L. Marketing, Inc.; Kentucky; Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

P.L. Marketing, Inc. is seeking a hybrids-capable professional to support Kroger-related merchandising and vendor communications. You will assist Business Managers with client data entry and weekly reporting, while learning sales planning and brand management processes.

The role involves coordinating with Kroger, suppliers, and internal teams, maintaining item grids, and supporting training initiatives as needed. A four-year degree is preferred and Excel proficiency is essential.

Qualifications

• 4 year degree preferred or any appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Degree in Business, Statistics, Marketing or Economics is desirable.
• Expert knowledge of Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Represent Kroger and its suppliers to internal teams and clients.
• Provide administrative support for Business Managers and client data entry.
• Prepare and distribute weekly client reports and sales plans.
• Coordinate item setup, vendor management, and communications with Kroger.
• Maintain item grids and assist in sales planning activities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Organization

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Statistics, Marketing or Economics

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Professionally represent 360 Merchandising and its suppliers to Kroger. Actively facilitate communications with numerous suppliers/vendors/internal PLM team members. Provide administrative support for 360 Business Managers, focusing on client data entry and communication to drive growth. Actively represent 1-2 brands with Business Manager oversight to learn and become efficient in sales planning and other functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

This hybrid position will be required to work in our Corporate Office at least two days per week based on your team’s schedule. Work with Training and Development on best practice development for item setup, sales plan entry, vendor management, assortment lifecycle communications, etc. Assist Training and Development with training program enhancements. Actively oversee 1-2 brands, leading calls, and communication with our clients with Business Manager oversight. Update and Maintain Item Grids. Prepare and distribute weekly client reports as required. Prepare period sales plan files for ESP entry and communicate with suppliers. Communicate with Kroger, Suppliers, and P.L. Marketing employees in a professional manner. Other duties as assigned. Must be able to perform essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations. Must be able to perform essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

4 year degree preferred or any appropriate combination of education and experience. Degree in Business, Statistics, Marketing or Economics is desirable. 1 + years of retail grocery experience preferred. Expert knowledge of Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of internet, email and web based applications. Understanding of Corporate Brands and their role in Kroger’s strategy. Strong organizational and teamwork skills. Strong analytical 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. Ability to prioritize and multi-task. Experience handling customer inquiries and issues.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Must be able to: remain standing/sitting for several hours at a time must be able to lift 10-15 lbs. occasionally.

DESIRED PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE

Administrative support position in office environment supporting clients to Kroger Retail or grocery experience.

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 with Merchandising Managers, Account Managers, Analysts, ASP’s, Vendors, CSM Teams and Category Managers to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
• Building Trust – interacting with Kroger suppliers and employees in a way that gives Kroger management confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
• Communication – Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to Kroger and P.L. Marketing employees in the English language
• Customer Focus – making others’ needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive relationships with fellow P.L. Marketing and Kroger employees
• 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– able to work 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

Since 1989, P.L. Marketing has assisted the sales and merchandising of Corporate Brand consumer products for the Kroger Company, the nation’s largest supermarket retailer. Additionally, we provide a multitude of merchandising and operational services for Kroger’s General Office, divisions, and stores, all while being employee-owned.