POSITION SUMMARY:

Assist the Our Brands Project Manager in product development & OB category business plans to deliver results in the timelines established. Support the overall new item process including sourcing for cuttings and data entry.  Professionally represent PLM and its suppliers to Kroger, while actively facilitating communications with numerous suppliers/vendors/internal PLM team members.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• This hybrid position will be required to work in our Corporate Office at least two days per week based on your team’s schedule
• Support the Our Brands Project Managers throughout the New Item Process.
• Effectively communicate with key stakeholders including: OB leadership, Merchandising, Manufacturing, and Suppliers among others.
• Help the CSM lead the commercialization of projects as identified within business plans, while supporting Project Tracker.
• Execute new item setup and supplier communication in collaboration with ASP, PCOE, and Merchandising Teams.
• Communicate relevant project details with division support.
• Assist CSM with delivering a total product experience that meets category and customer expectations.
• Be a positive champion for OB’s mission, vision and goals. Drive strategic thinking to communicate our OB vision across the enterprise.

Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4 year degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Degree in Business Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, or Economics preferred
• 2+ years of retail grocery experience preferred
• Understanding of Corporate Brands and their role in Kroger’s strategy preferred
• Proficient Microsoft office applications including Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
• Capacity to learn multiple computer systems and web based applications
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills
• Capability to collaborate with others and contribute effectively to a team
• Expert organizational, analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of an audience from senior level executives, to administrative support
• Highly motivated self-starter who can work with minimal supervision
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, prioritize and multi-task

MINIMUM PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Must be able to:
  • remain standing/sitting for several hours at a time
  • lift 10-15 lbs. occasionally

PREFERRED PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE:

• A blend of grocery merchandising and data analysis experience
• Minimum of 2 years’ grocery experience in a merchandising capacity

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS:

Some of the Competencies/Skills required to successfully perform this position are:

• Adaptability – maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures
• Building Strategic Working Relationships – developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
• Building Trust – interacting with Kroger employees, customers and suppliers in a way that gives Kroger Division and Corporate Management confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
• Communication – clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in the English language
• Customer Focus – making Kroger customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive relationships with Kroger employees as well as the suppliers that we represent
• Decision Making – identifying and understanding issues, problems and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences
• Inclusion – appreciating and leveraging the capabilities, insights and ideas of all individuals; working effectively with individuals of diverse style, ability and motivation for a direct effect on business results
• Initiating Action – taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive; generating innovative solutions in work situations
• Leadership – ability to recognize and provide training opportunities; give clear direction to accomplish assigned tasks; hold others to high standards of accountability and address issues when needed in a way that encourages, not discourages the employee
• Negotiation – effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties
• Self-Starter – working the majority of the time without direct supervision; prioritizing, organizing and completing workload accurately within allotted time period
• Work Standards – setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed