Technology Category Management Manager II, Data Processing & Data Servicing

Responsible for cultivating and sustaining influential partnerships with internal business stakeholders to co-create advanced, multi-dimensional category strategies that anticipate market volatility and emerging trends. Proactively identify transformative opportunities and high-value initiatives within a rapidly evolving industry landscape to optimize outcomes for Kroger and consistently exceed total value objectives. Collaborate with the director to define a forward-looking vision, establish robust performance metrics, and architect category strategies that align with enterprise priorities. Drive seamless communication and execution across key stakeholder groups, ensuring organizational alignment and team accountability for achieving strategic targets.  Demonstrate the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety. 

• Build strong business relationships allowing sourcing to increase its influence over total category spend.  Provide category and market expertise to create a strategic portfolio of initiatives to achieve savings targets.  In collaboration with stakeholders, define and execute category strategies including removing obstacles.  Develop an effective framework to govern strategy, project pipeline, and measure performance.
• Drive continuous improvement to create efficiencies and enhance level of skills and capabilities of the team.  Utilize the sourcing to methodology and tools to bring total value to Kroger including complex negotiation planning and execution.
• Provide expertise to support all activities related to contract lifecycle management (CLM). Support escalation process as needed to resolve any compliance issues.
• Manage supplier relationships at a national level and work with business to make sure all SRM activities are executed effectively throughout the full supplier lifecycle including identifying innovation and potential market disruptors.
• 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 functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum 

• Bachelor's degree

• 8-10 years experience in technology or infrastructure sourcing 

   

Desired 

• Master’s Degree
• 10-12 years experience in technology or infrastructure sourcing

From one tiny Cincinnati grocery store more than a century ago, we’ve grown into what today is the nation’s largest grocer with nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states operating under 28 different names. As America’s grocer, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all. Here, people matter. That’s why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you’re caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited. Whether you’re seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we’ve got a fresh opportunity for you. Apply today to become part of our Kroger family! 

What you’ll receive from us:

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

• 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, inclu