Project Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Our Brands Project Manager is a key role in Kroger’s Our Brands (OB) product development, and must effectively contribute and help lead cross-functional and cross-departmental teams through OB category business plans and product development projects to deliver results in the timelines established. Aggressively recommend the introduction of new products and additional merchandising opportunities for the categories in which you participate. Professionally represent PLM and its suppliers to Kroger, and actively facilitate communications with numerous suppliers/vendors/internal PLM team members. Communicates Kroger’s Our Brands vision and goals as well as how they align with overall category merchandiser strategies and Customer 1st promise.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Be the OB subject matter expert (SME) for assigned categories.
• Partner with Merchandising to build both long- and short- term strategic plans to drive category growth and profitability through activities such as defining the role of OB within their categories as well as participation in category strategies, category assortment reviews, and add/delete discussions.
• Help CSM lead OB annual business planning for assigned categories in collaboration with cross-functional team members.
• Solicit feedback and align 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 maintaining Project Tracker.
• Identify suppliers for new item opportunities, leading all new vendor setup and communication to ensure new OB vendors have everything in place to do business at Kroger.
• Execute new item setup and supplier communication in collaboration with ASP, PCOE, and Merchandising Teams.
• Develop, review and share new item forecasts and launch expectations with suppliers.
• Communicate relevant project details with division support.
• Maintain appropriate dialogue with OB CSM and Senior leadership.
• Remain current with food, cultural and ethnic, category and product trends (nationally and regionally). Incorporate the information into OB business plans to facilitate product development.
• Deliver and maintain consistent product quality within brand promise. Specific responsibilities include being an active voice/participant in sensory phase of product development as well as approving reformulations, packaging, sourcing, and specification changes.
• 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 in Business Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Economics or equivalent education preferred
• 2 years of retail grocery experience preferred
• Understanding of Corporate Brands and their role in Kroger’s strategy
• 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

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 others in a way that gives employees 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 others’ needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive relationships with fellow P.L. Marketing and Kroger employees
• 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
• 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