Merchandising Analyst

JOB SUMMARY:

Utilize customer insights and competitive market data to drive increased sales, margin, and share growth of Kroger Our Brands products within assigned categories.  Provide both analytical and technical support for a number of Kroger Corporate Managers, to include Corporate Category Managers, Category Strategy Managers (CSM), and Sourcing Managers and assist them in the development of the sales plan and execution of promotions.   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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• This hybrid position will be required to work in our Corporate Office at least one half day per week based on your team’s schedule
• Support sales planning process with internal and external data-driven insights.
• Performs research related to consumer behavior and trends, and shares those insights with key stakeholders within PL Marketing to aid in the continuous improvements of Our Brands initiatives. 
• Continually educate self and team in new processes and data sources.
• Gain expertise in all facets of the grocery industry through both internal and external sources.
• Develop the skills to present commodity insights and strategies to Kroger personnel.
• Understand the role/process of Our Brands as it relates to the Kroger Category Management Sales Planning process.
• Leverage your own expertise and those of the PL Marketing team to enable Kroger's Category Managers, Corporate Brand Managers and Category Strategy Managers (CSM) to reach their sales goals and stated objectives. Influence the development of pricing strategies, annual promotional campaigns and period sales plans designed to achieve financial targets.
• Communicate the sales plans and strategies of the categories you represent to the Kroger Division PLM teams. Facilitate successful execution of all promotional and merchandising activities in the sales plan at the retail level.
• Work with sourcing manager in effective communication with Divisions buyers/suppliers in consistent flow of product inventory.
• Work with Administrative Support Personnel (ASP) to accurately submit TradePoint promotional contracts, ESP & cost changes that reflect agreed upon events supported by Category Team.
   

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, Statistics, Marketing or Economics preferred
• 2 + years of retail grocery experience preferred
• Expert knowledge of Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of internet, email and web based applications
• Understanding of Corporate Brands and their role in Kroger’s strategy preferred
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills
• Strong analytical 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
• Ability to 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

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
• 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