MFG PLANT MAINTENANCE BUYER (ADMIN)

The Kroger Co. • Cincinnati, OH

6d

About The Position

The MFG Plant Maintenance Buyer is responsible for purchasing raw materials, ingredients, and packaging at optimum value while supporting profitability, continuity of supply, quality specifications, and operational requirements. The role also schedules inbound finished products and manages inventory and deliveries across plant and satellite warehouse operations. The position is expected to model Kroger’s values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety, and to support food safety, quality, safety, and reliability programs.

The buyer works with Corporate Brands Sourcing and Procurement Category Managers, General Sales Managers, vendors, plant personnel, and warehouse teams. The position includes supervising and coaching direct reports, conducting performance reviews, and providing feedback. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

• Previous food manufacturing experience.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of prior experience in production operations.
• Basic knowledge of bakery operations and production processes.
• Basic math skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to understand complex verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, obtain, and evaluate projected finished-product requirements; maintain economic inventory levels beyond immediate operational needs and ensure continuity of supply for procured raw materials and packaging at reasonable cost and in accordance with quality and operational requirements.
• Advise management on market and business conditions.
• Develop sources of market information and study, analyze, and interpret trends and market movement to support purchasing decisions.
• Maintain price lists, quotations, market pricing, and purchasing records; solicit and analyze quotations and resolve invoice discrepancies.
• Negotiate short-term contracts, consolidate shipments, expedite and coordinate changes, and control commodity inventory beyond immediate production requirements.
• Coordinate commodity requirements with Corporate Brands Sourcing and Procurement Category Managers and General Sales Managers.
• Establish and maintain positive vendor relations, including evaluating performance, interviewing representatives, resolving complaints and adjustments, communicating, visiting vendor facilities, and arranging or participating in meetings with vendors and company personnel.
• Conduct annual physical inventory of all central stock.
• Comply with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and procedures.
• Participate in and actively support Safety and Reliability initiatives.
• Schedule all inbound finished product.
• Balance delivery loads and times within shift limits.
• Manage satellite warehouse inventory for regular movement, weekly distributions, sales promotions, and customer request orders.
• Balance deliveries with warehouse shipping requirements and each warehouse’s receiving parameters.
• Follow established programs, policies, and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements.
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of SQF 2000 Systems.
• Be accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles.
• Supervise and coach direct reports; complete performance reviews and provide feedback.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, through company 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 employee’s career through the Continuing Education program.
• Training programs and diverse career pathways offering potential for growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED