Job Description

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. - 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

Minimum

• 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

Desired

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

From one tiny Cincinnati grocery store more than a century ago, we’ve grown into what today is the nation’s largest grocer with nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states operating under 28 different names. As America’s grocer, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.

Here, people matter. That’s why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you’re caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.

Whether you’re seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we’ve got a fresh opportunity for you. Apply today to become part of our Kroger family!

What you’ll receive from us:

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

• A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
• Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
• Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching with Goldman Sachs Ayco.
• Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
• Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
• Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

For more information about benefits and eligibility, please visit our Benefits Page!