LOGITSTICS/SUPPLY PLANNING BUYING MGR - COMMODITY

JOB DESCRIPTION

Direct, develop and support Supply Planning team to consistently provide fresh, high-quality items with maximum shelf life and low cost to our customers in strategic commodities. Lead department planning for strategic commodity groupings to achieve strong performance as measured by key benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPIs). Coordinate communication and integration with all parts of the organization (e.g., Division and corporate enterprise partners) working closely with the division/distribution center-focused Regional Supply Planning Manager. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee supply planning of product within a given set of commodities
• Manage team of buyers within a given set of strategic commodities
• Work with executive leadership of division and corporate enterprise partners to understand buying strategy for the department, mobilizing the supporting supply planning teams to action established plans
• Own and drive the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) initiatives, ensuring seamless alignment between demand forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain execution to support business objectives and maximize operational efficiency
• Collaborate between planners, Merchandising and other Sales and Operations Execution (S&OE) players
• Support planners in troubleshooting complex sufficiency and adherence challenges for strategic commodities in their per view and work with planners on critical or difficult vendors to mitigate issues, as needed
• Partner with GO Merchandising executive leadership, division and Supply Chain (SC) counterparts to support inventory policy objectives
• Maintain a high-level understanding of promos for all commodities in their per view and help provide (as needed) strategic planning inputs
• Lead project management and support company-wide planning initiatives
• Escalate relevant vendor or personnel issues to Supply Planning Executive Leadership overseeing relevant categories
• Understand, maintain, and report on team's KPIs to leadership for visibility
• Drive and maintain regular engagement with 3rd party vendors (e.g., VRR)
• Drive and implement any changes to processes, ways of working, collaboration mechanisms, etc. amongst the team
• Provide inputs to hiring of planners within commodity grouping
• Provide regular input on planner's performance for performance reviews
• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
• Ability to work cooperatively in high paced and sometimes stressful environment
• Ability to manage conflict in a reasonable, nonconfrontational and cooperative manner
• Ability to act with honesty and integrity regarding customer and business information
• Ability to follow directions and seek assistance when necessary to resolve customer and business issues
• Provide support and assistance through direct interaction with minors, individuals with special needs, and/or older adults
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

• Bachelor's Degree in related field or equivalent years of experience
• 5+ years of experience in planning, merchandising, operations, or supply chain
• Any buying experience replenishing distribution centers
• Ability to monitor compliance with established guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations
• Strong analytical, problem solving and root cause identification skills
• Excellent communication/presentation (oral and written) skills to effectively communicate information to stakeholders at all levels both internal and external
• Demonstrated leadership capability and ability to influence others without formal authority
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, interpret and make decisions based on qualitative and quantitative data
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio)

• Master's Degree in business administration or supply chain
• Any produce buying experience replenishing distribution centers
• Any exposure to Kroger Category Management System Data Warehouse and Business Objects

• 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.

• Health care benefits
• Paid time off such as vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Mental and emotional support resources through our Employee Assistance Program

• Participation in a 401(k) plan, subject to certain eligibility requirements
• Group term life insurance eligible
• Eligible for an annual bonus based upon company performance
• Associate discounts

• Tuition assistance, college scholarships and educational leave of absence, depending on varying criteria by location and subject to certain eligibility requirements
• Robust internal training and development resources to grow your career