Job Information
Kroger Family of Companies ASSISTANT CATEGORY MANAGER I in Cincinnati, Ohio
Serve as a buyer of a discrete, smaller category with ultimate sign-off from the category manager (CM). Assist category managers with the tactical work in building assortments, managing KOMPASS process, executing pricing/promotions, and gathering/analyzing data. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.
RESPONSIBILITIES - Make recommendations on assortment/plan-o-grams for a smaller category area of responsibility, including potential adds/deletes, and engage CM as needed for perspective and final sign-off
Manage data analysis and day-to-day communication with vendors, 84.51 and Our Brands, and divisions for discrete area; ensure all inputs are gathered in a timely and comprehensive manner
Validate local requests with data analysis and align on jointly-defined KPIs with the division
Support plan-o-gram process, including organizing templates and PCOE communications
Monitor SKU performance on an ongoing assortment to meet financial and strategic goals; establish feedback loop with CM to inform of potential adjustments
Make recommendations on category budgets, forecasts, and plans; identify trends in business and competitive landscape that may affect health of business
Support assortment work and testing process for CMs
Assist with ad-hoc analysis to drive business forward, such as to evaluate decisions to deviate from pricing algorithm recommendations or react to competitor price moves or cost changes
Be proficient across all systems (NEXT, Stratum, etc.)
Support CM in driving promotional strategy to engage customers and drive excitement
Review past ad performance and information on shelf capacity, store sales, and display locations to inform future promotional recommendations
Assist in supply chain issue resolution with replenishment; update CMs before regular checkpoints and engage as needed to provide direction
Organize and manage information sharing with vendor, including product lists /SKU information, directional forecast needs, etc
Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation
QUALIFICATIONS Minimum
2+ years of experience with replenishment buying/procurement, merchandising, store assistant leader, operations or brand management
Intermediate knowledge of Excel, Word and Outlook
Strong attention to detail
Excellent oral/written communication skills
Desired
Bachelors Degree
Any replenishment buying/procurement experience
Any division store management experience
Any exposure to Kroger Category Management Systems, Business Objects, Enterprise Sales Planning (ESP) and 84.51 sciences
Strong organization and multitasking skills