Planner, Kitchen

Kroger•Portland, OR

About The Position

Work closely with buyers to create category financial plans. Plan, forecast and coordinate each division's weekly, period and annual sales for general merchandise (GM); ensure profit budget is consistent with corporate/division goals. Perform analyses; recommend actionable steps to improve/enhance category performance. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree business or a related field plus two years of combined assistant buyer and assistant planner experience or a combination of relevant education/experience
Ability to complete tasks with a high level of accuracy and a strong attention to detail
High complexity in terms of item difficulty, promo intensity, regionality, category innovation, vendor difficulty, sales/EBITA and growth goals (Lvl 11)
Moderate complexity in terms of item difficulty, promo intensity, regionality, category innovation, vendor difficulty, sales/EBITA and growth goals (Lvl 10)
Low complexity in terms of item difficulty, promo intensity, regionality, category innovation, vendor difficulty, sales/EBITA and growth goals (Lvl 9
Highly motivated/self-directed
Ability to function in a fast-paced retail/office environment
Proficient Microsoft Office skills
Familiar with retail industry technical terms/processes
Ability to organize/prioritize tasks/projects

Nice To Haves

Computer systems knowledge
Experience directing/participating on project teams
Familiarity with financial systems

Responsibilities

Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
Create/manage financial plans by period, including sales, markdowns, gross margin and turnover at sub-class level for department store formats and class level for other formats
Create/manage assortment plans; perform product allocation for department, marketplace and food stores
Provide analysis based on quantitative/qualitative sources to drive enterprise sales, margin and inventory strategies
Support advertising/display plans and optimization of on-floor presentations and turnover
Re-forecast in-season sales, margin and turnover based on current trends/market dynamics; recommend actions to address improvement opportunities
Reconcile department store open-to-buy; communicate status to key stakeholders
Analyze seasonal/fashion categories; recommend courses of action; create a strategy for the following season
Facilitate team meetings; provide timely communications to the planning team regarding process strategies Work closely with Replenishment team to manage store/warehouse inventory
Create/manage sales markdown reports/forecasts for department stores
Determine plan-o-gram minimums by utilizing store volume and with input from GM/divisional merchandise managers, buyers and replenishment analysts; communicate results to vendors
Conduct enterprise-wide store tours
Maintain awareness of industry trends, the competitive landscape across enterprise and regional needs
Analyze results of promotions/markdowns; make recommendations to support business goals
Ensure new/remodeled stores are planned correctly and inventory is allocated to maximize sales
Travel to markets and for vendor appointments
Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation