Produce Project Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Produce Project Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day execution, support, communication, and continuous improvement of the project and its objectives. This role serves as a central point of coordination between divisions, suppliers, replenishment teams, category managers, merchandising and cross-functional partners to ensure seamless execution of category initiatives and operational processes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• This hybrid position requires you to work at Kroger's Corporate Office (Store Support Center) at least two days per week.
• Program and Project Management
  • Serve as the primary coordinator for ongoing program execution and operational support
  • Develop, maintain, and communicate project timelines, milestones, and action plans
  • Lead follow-up activities to ensure deliverables are completed on time and issues are quickly resolved
  • Track risks, dependencies, and opportunities to improve program performance
• Division Support & Communication
  • Act as the primary point of contact for division questions and operational support
  • Coordinate communication between divisions and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and execution consistency
  • Facilitate issue resolution and escalate concerns when necessary
• Operational Execution
  • Provide planogram (POG) support and follow-up on execution-related questions
  • Manage item setup processes, monitor progress, and drive timely completion of outstanding requests
  • Maintain and update In/Out management tools and documentation
  • Support retail setup
• Systems & Technical Support
  • Support SATH, CAO, and other category management and replenishment systems
  • Coordinate activations, troubleshooting, and operational maintenance activities
  • Partner with internal teams to ensure system changes are implemented accurately and efficiently
  • Assist with EEMs-related activities and process improvements
• Supplier & Commercial Management
  • Serve as a communication liaison with suppliers regarding operational needs, timelines, and deliverables
  • Coordinate requests for proposal (RFPs) and supplier-related documentation
  • Monitor execution, follow up on outstanding supplier actions, and ensure timely resolution of issues
• Documentation & Process Management
  • Maintain and update the Booking Guide and related operational documentation
  • Develop communication templates and tracking tools
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and enhance program visibility
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Lead and participate in recurring cross-functional meetings
  • Document action items, track commitments, and ensure follow-up completion
  • Partner with merchandising, replenishment, sourcing, operations, suppliers, and category teams to drive successful program execution

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

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4-year degree in Business Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Economics or equivalent education preferred
• 2 years of retail grocery experience preferred
• Proficient Microsoft office applications including Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
• Capacity to learn multiple computer systems and web based applications
• Experience functioning in a corporate office environment
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills
• Adaptable to modernizations in technology
• Able to absorb new information and quickly pivot in direction
• Capability to collaborate with others and contribute effectively to a team
• Expert organizational, analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Highly motivated self-starter who can work with minimal supervision
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of an audience from senior level executives, to administrative support
• Experience generating detailed reports and delivering a summary of your findings in both spreadsheet and presentation form
• 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

DESIRED PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE:

• A blend of grocery merchandising and data analysis experience are desired
• Minimum of 2 years' grocery experience in a merchandising capacity
• Demonstrated and documented accomplishments in the area of category sales, marketing, management, product development, negotiations, vendor relations, procurement, distribution and merchandising

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