Assistant Category Manager, Snacking

Kroger•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

Serve as a buyer for a discrete, smaller category, with ultimate sign-off from the category manager (CM). Assist category managers with tactical work in building assortments, managing the KOMPASS process, executing pricing and promotions, and gathering and analyzing data. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in replenishment buying/procurement, merchandising, store assistant leadership, operations, or brand management.
Intermediate knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Any replenishment buying/procurement experience.
Any division store management experience.
Exposure to Kroger Category Management Systems, Business Objects, Enterprise Sales Planning (ESP), and 84.51 sciences.
Strong organization and multitasking skills.

Responsibilities

Make recommendations on assortments and plan-o-grams for a smaller category area of responsibility, including potential adds and deletes, and engage the CM for perspective and final sign-off as needed.
Manage data analysis and day-to-day communication with vendors, 84.51, Our Brands, and divisions for the assigned area; ensure inputs are gathered in a timely and comprehensive manner.
Validate local requests using data analysis and align on jointly defined KPIs with the division.
Support the plan-o-gram process, including organizing templates and PCOE communications.
Monitor SKU performance across the ongoing assortment to meet financial and strategic goals, and maintain a feedback loop with the CM to inform potential adjustments.
Recommend category budgets, forecasts, and plans; identify business and competitive landscape trends that may affect business health.
Support assortment work and the testing process for category managers.
Assist with ad hoc analysis to drive the business forward, such as evaluating decisions to deviate from pricing algorithm recommendations or responding to competitor price moves or cost changes.
Maintain proficiency across systems such as NEXT and Stratum.
Support the CM in driving promotional strategy to engage customers and drive excitement.
Review past ad performance and information on shelf capacity, store sales, and display locations to inform future promotional recommendations.
Assist with supply chain issue resolution with replenishment; update CMs before regular checkpoints and engage as needed to provide direction.
Organize and manage information sharing with vendors, including product lists, SKU information, and directional forecast needs.
Perform the essential job functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.