Strategic Sourcing Category Manager, Construction

Kroger • Cincinnati, OH

7d

About The Position

The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager uses category-specific expertise to work with business stakeholders to determine category strategy, optimize the supplier base, conduct sourcing events, negotiate contracts, and support contract execution. The role is responsible for achieving savings targets and reducing spend while meeting business needs. The manager also demonstrates the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

The position supports category strategy and financial performance, coordinates sourcing activities, negotiates complex contracts, leads supplier relationship management activities, and builds collaborative relationships with business partners. It also oversees procurement metrics and initiatives affecting category performance and supervises, coaches, and reviews direct reports. The essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Retail, CPG, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience within the pertinent category.
• Ability to build impactful relationships with internal clients and key influencers to effectively execute the work.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Vizio.
• Oral and written communication skills to formulate strategies in a complex business environment.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or master’s degree.
• CPM/CPSM, CSCP, or equivalent certification.
• At least 5 years of experience in Supply Chain or Procurement.
• At least 3 years of experience leading a sourcing team.

Responsibilities

• Support the senior manager in defining and reviewing procurement strategy and the project pipeline.
• Conduct periodic financial reviews with the senior manager to assess category financial performance.
• Identify potential suppliers that can extend payment terms, improve the cash conversion cycle, and enhance gross margin.
• Implement supplier finance and discount programs focused on cash flow, interest payable, and working capital.
• Coordinate sourcing activities and manage analysts to achieve category goals.
• Coordinate sourcing strategy reviews and ensure strategy documents are updated.
• Support creation, execution, and communication of category management strategy for the pertinent category.
• Drive ongoing internal compliance with policies, procedures, strategies, and guidelines.
• Negotiate and execute highly complex and visible supplier contracts.
• Coordinate improvement opportunities and risk mitigation strategies, and develop action plans.
• Lead supplier relationship management activities to create value, drive continuous improvement, and realize savings.
• Lead supplier business relationships, foster long-term involvement, and create value.
• Oversee supplier qualification with business support, and develop and execute a transition plan and supply agreement.
• Develop and maintain trusted, collaborative relationships with business partners so procurement is valued and involved in business decisions.
• Oversee procurement process metrics, insights, and proposed actions, and define an implementation plan.
• Maintain knowledge of other Kroger initiatives that may affect category performance.
• Supervise and coach direct reports, complete performance reviews, and provide feedback.
• Create an effective work environment by developing a common vision, communicating clear objectives, fostering teamwork, recognizing performance, and providing on-the-job coaching.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager