Job Information
Kroger Family of Companies Division Merchandise Manager, Apparel in Portland, Oregon
Are you a strategic merchant with a passion for women’s fashion and a knack for navigating complex retail ecosystems? Kroger is seeking a dynamic Divisional Merchandising Manager (DMM) to lead our Women’s Apparel category across all channels. This role is ideal for a visionary leader who thrives in a transformative environment and is ready to roll up their sleeves to drive innovation, profitability, and customer delight.
What you’ll do:
As a DMM for Women’s Apparel, you will be responsible for developing and executing merchandise strategies that elevate brand positioning, drive financial performance, and deliver compelling customer experiences. This includes owning product-level P&L, curating assortments, and influencing cross-functional teams through constant change.
Strategic Leadership: Define and execute category vision aligned with Kroger’s brand and Our Brands initiatives.
Assortment Planning: Curate commercially viable assortments across in-store and online channels.
Financial Performance: Drive sales growth, manage budgets, and optimize profitability.
Trend Forecasting: Analyze market trends, customer insights, and sales data to inform purchasing decisions.
Innovation: Identify new opportunities for growth and differentiation.
Vendor Management: Build strong vendor relationships, negotiate terms, and ensure timely delivery.
Inventory Optimization: Monitor stock levels, adjust assortments, and minimize markdowns.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Influence and lead teams across merchandising, marketing, planning, and product development.
Marketing & Promotion: Oversee ad plans, display strategies, and storytelling through content and catalogs.
Private Label Development: Partner with Corporate Brands to enhance private label offerings.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for a strategi
RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with Planners and/or DMM Planning on annual budgets for department sales and profit for each division
Direct and approve selection of assortment; supervises overall fashion procurement
Achieve period and annual budgets for department sales and profit; develops strategic plans, including regional plans as needed, that focus on achieving financial goals set for the company and each division
Review profit and loss statements every period and submits report on period results to management; develops other recaps as needed
Develop and ensure implementation of weekly, quarterly, and annual ad and sales promotion plans; reviews advertising content
Develop and ensure implementation of display plans; reviews schematics and product selection
Support and ensure implementation of strategic growth and corporate initiatives, including eCommerce
Ensure merchandising bulletins are developed and distributed on a timely basis
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with vendors, and participate in vendor business reviews to evaluate past negotiations and terms in order to maximize sales and profit
Collaborate with Product Development and Corporate Brands teams on private label items
Monitor retail pricing guidelines for all items in alignment with Corporate objectives and strategy
Direct and coordinates the activities of buyers; ensures deadlines are met
Ensure standardization of buying processes with a focus on continuous improvement
Conduct store tours across the enterprise
Participate in Corporate meetings with Divisions
Maintain a high level of awareness and evaluates the effectiveness of current industry trends for merchandise and merchandise presentation
Maintain awareness of competitive landscape across the Enterprise
Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
Travel independently on a regular basis
Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation
QUALIFICATIONS Minimum
Bachelors degree in business or related field, plus 610 years merchandise/operations manager experience; or combination of relevant education and experience
Familiarity with merchandising techniques
Ability to work in a fastpaced environment
Accuracy/attention to detail
Ability to organize/prioritize tasks/projects
Familiarity with industry/technical terms and processes
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Report Management and Distribution System (RMDS), and Dallas
Desired
Familiarity with commodity markets
Experience directing/participating on project teams