KPF/CATEGORY MANAGER I

Responsible for developing and executing merchandising and operational strategies for Kroger Personal Finance (KPF) category of small to medium size and/or complexity to ensure the delivery of budgeted financial and customer metrics.

Manage category plans with internal and external partners delivering sustainable long-term growth and capturing additional market share.

Develop expert level industry and product knowledge.

Manage and supervise the sales and distribution program, marketing calendars, promotional calendars, and key performance measures.

Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Minimum
- Demonstrated problem solving skills
- Understanding of basic business, accounting and math principles
- Proficient in Microsoft Office products
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong negotiation skills

Desired
- Bachelor's Degree
- Any product and project management experience
- 2+ years procurement experience
- 2+ years store management or Retail Operations experience
- 2+ years division or corporate category management, merchandising or gift services experience- Develop and execute merchandising and operational strategies such that budgeted financial and customer metrics are achieved
- Create business plans and develop budgets that deliver the sales and profit requirements established for the assigned products and categories
- Develop expert level knowledge of industry trends and regulatory requirements
- Utilize Kroger internal data and industry available information to best position specific products/programs for long-term sustainable growth, increased market share, and best in class standards
- Deliver growth expectations within omni-channel platforms
- Develop market level promotions and new products to increase the sales of assigned products and categories
- Produce communication tools and marketing vehicles that drive category initiatives, in collaboration with marketing and divisions
- Project adequate inventory needs to support promotional activities for assigned channels and product groups
- Conduct division/market visits to understand local market trends, competition and collaboratively seek solutions
- Negotiate favorable programs and costs while developing and maintaining strategic alliances with partners
- Work in conjunction with the KPF Digital team to develop and execute digital assets and promotions
- Utilize tools, processes and methodology developed by the KPF Project Management Office (PMO) to manage development projects
- Communicate and promote KPF initiatives throughout the organization
- Travel to gain division/market insights, to meet with vendors and to gain industry knowledge
- Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
- Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation