Associate Business Manager

P.L. Marketing, Inc.•Newport, KY

13d

About The Position

The Associate Business Manager manages and grows a portfolio of small- to mid-sized CPG clients, owning business performance and day-to-day execution. With guidance and oversight from a Senior Business Manager (SBM) and/or Director, the role develops the skills needed to independently manage larger, more complex client businesses. It combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution and drives results across the assigned desk. The role leads day-to-day client engagement, supports collaboration with Kroger stakeholders, and ensures transparency and alignment among clients, Kroger, and internal teams. It uses data from 84.51 Stratum, OnDemand, and related systems to report on performance, identify opportunities and risks, and make actionable recommendations. The Associate Business Manager also supports promotional planning, assortment and new-item initiatives through the KOMPASS process, and timely administrative execution across Kroger and internal systems. The position manages project timelines and workload, works with cross-functional teams, and professionally represents three sixty Merchandising Solutions to clients, Kroger stakeholders, and the broader community.

Requirements

Four-year degree in Business, Marketing, Operations, Economics, or equivalent education.
At least 4 years of relevant industry experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to learn multiple computer systems and web-based applications.
Ability to collaborate and contribute effectively as part of a team.
Expert organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Highly motivated self-starter able to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to craft and deliver messages effectively to senior-level executives.
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, prioritize, and multitask.
Ability to adapt to advancing technology and Kroger systems.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, remain standing or sitting for several hours at a time, and occasionally lift 10–15 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Administrative support experience in an office environment.
Data analysis and reporting experience.
Retail or grocery experience in a headquarters environment.
Direct Store Delivery (DSD) experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary day-to-day point of contact for assigned clients, aligning strategies and fostering collaboration with Kroger stakeholders, with guidance from an SBM or Director as needed.
Ensure transparency, efficiency, and alignment across clients, Kroger, and internal teams; escalate complex, strategic, or high-risk topics appropriately.
Pull and manage data through 84.51 Stratum, OnDemand, and related systems.
Create and distribute weekly and period scorecards and standard reports; analyze performance, identify opportunities or risks, and translate data into actionable recommendations.
Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and professional formatting of deliverables.
Develop, execute, and support promotional plans in partnership with an SBM and/or Director; communicate plans, monitor performance, and recommend optimization opportunities.
Support clients through the KOMPASS process by recommending new product introductions and merchandising opportunities with senior guidance.
Help align brand and product strategies with Kroger category objectives and coordinate new-item setup and launch readiness.
Manage Kroger and internal systems and tools, including 1worldsync, Syndigo, DemandTec, MS Planner, and SharePoint.
Own processes, documentation, and form submissions, including item setup, contracts, and promotional workflows; support client payment reconciliation.
Ensure administrative activities are accurate, complete, and timely, coordinating with support resources while retaining accountability for execution quality.
Manage and communicate task and project progress and timelines; prioritize workload and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
Represent and promote three sixty Merchandising Solutions to clients, Kroger stakeholders, and the broader community; build credibility through consistent execution, insights, and professional communication.
Develop industry knowledge and presence over time.