Category Manager, Dairy

The Kroger Co. • Cincinnati, OH

18d

About The Position

The Category Manager leads a small- to medium-sized and/or moderately complex category, with accountability for the 4Ps across all channels. The role owns end-to-end assortment, category financials, and overall strategy, using input from support teams to make data-driven decisions that reflect local needs. The position also demonstrates the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

The Category Manager develops category strategy across assortment, pricing, promotion, and product flow; monitors customer and industry trends, competition, SKU performance, and financial results; and works with vendors and internal teams to manage product lifecycles and supply. The role also supervises and coaches direct reports, completes performance reviews, and provides feedback.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in replenishment buying/procurement, merchandising, store management, operations, or brand management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong organization and multitasking skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and train.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with vendor negotiations or promotional planning.
• Experience as a division sales manager, store coordinator, or store manager.

Responsibilities

• Develop short- and long-term category strategies and tactics that provide a unified customer experience across brick-and-mortar, extended-aisle, and digital-shelf channels.
• Monitor industry and customer trends, market share, and competition; communicate relevant changes and initiatives to appropriate parties, including Our Brands or Divisions.
• Use the available 4P levers to advance the category and meet KPIs and goals; use applicable systems, including NEXT and Stratum; manage product lifecycles, add/delete decisions, and related cross-functional meetings.
• Build assortments using vendor, 84.51, and Our Brands data; gather division input during feedback windows and manage communications and expectations concerning segmentation and local assortment needs.
• Oversee the planogram process, including deadlines, placement, and product flow, while ensuring guidelines are followed.
• Track SKU performance and adjust assortment as needed to meet financial and strategic goals.
• Maintain category budgets, forecasts, and plans, and understand the category’s contribution to enterprise and division goals.
• Establish price and category architecture and provide input on program trends.
• Review items’ inclusion in pricing programs based on financial performance and category strategy.
• Set base prices and use data to evaluate decisions to deviate from pricing algorithm recommendations.
• Determine responses to competitor price changes or cost changes based on Pricing team recommendations.
• Oversee promotional strategy to engage customers and generate excitement.
• Review past advertising performance and define promotional strategies and goals, including A/B strategies for major promotions.
• Select promotional products using data on shelf capacity, number of stores selling the products, and display locations.
• Set starting promotional prices and establish guardrails for promotional planners tailoring prices to divisions.
• Understand the timing of Test & Learns and manage the process appropriately.
• Oversee end-to-end product flow and direct stores or replenishment teams when supply issues occur.
• Manage strategic vendor relationships by communicating priorities and assortment opportunities, identifying long-term supply changes, negotiating competitive prices, and monitoring industry trends.
• Engage vendors, source promotional offers, decide on awards, and provide directional forecast needs.
• Supervise and coach direct reports, complete performance reviews, and provide feedback.
• Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
• Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles.
• Paid time off, including holiday and sick pay, based on eligibility and length of service.
• Free counseling through the Employee Assistance Program.
• Free, confidential financial tools and coaching through Goldman Sachs Ayco.
• Associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, and technology.
• Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over the course of a career through the Continuing Education program.
• Training programs and diverse career pathways.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed