LOGISTICS/REGIONAL SUPPLY PLANNING MANAGER

Lead customer-centric and service-oriented Supply Planning work required to manage division and distribution center (DC)-specific replenishment needs. Represent the voice of the customer specifically to Supply Chain’s Planning organization, acting as the primary liaison for divisions, DCs, and their senior leadership. Partner with Planning teams (e.g., Supply Planning Buying Manager - Commodity, Lead Buyers, Buyers) in General Office (GO) and business leadership from DC Operations and division Merchandising to execute the strategy for cross-functional collaboration to meet buying needs, resolve issues and collectively ensure the success of the business. Demonstrate the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

• Drive Supply Chain Planning strategies with the distinct priorities and operational nuances of the division and distribution centers in per view, ensuring tailored, data-driven decision-making 
• Engage and collaborate with executive division and distribution center leadership to drive resolution of complex, multi-stakeholder supply chain challenges, including allocation, new item setup, and promotional planning
• Partner with senior Merchandising leadership to translate buying strategies into integrated supply chain execution, optimizing alignment across departments
• Drive coordinated Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) initiatives with executive leadership across Merchandising, division, distribution centers, and Supply Chain (SC) to support product flow and division needs, resolving complex issues and closing the feedback loop with division leadership
• Lead planning oversight of promotional initiatives, guiding high-impact planning efforts and providing executive-level insights to enhance purchasing decisions
• Identify opportunities for longer term improvement projects to solve persistent issues for divisions and distribution centers (e.g., data inventory visibility, SLA refinement for store delivery)
• Understand, maintain, and report on KPIs to executive leadership for visibility
• Drive and implement any changes to processes, ways of working, collaboration mechanisms, etc. amongst the larger commodity-focused Planning team
• Travel to Kroger locations across the U.S. for relevant stakeholder interface as needed
• 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

MINIMUM

• Bachelor's Degree in related field or equivalent years of experience
• 7+ years of experience in replenishment/procurement, merchandising, operations, or supply chain
• Strong critical thinking, problem solving and root cause identification skills enabled by appropriate follow-up and accountability 
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and influence stakeholders and peers
• Excellent communication/presentation (oral and written) skills 
• Track record of preparing, interpreting, and making decisions based on qualitative and quantitative data
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio)

 

DESIRED 

• Master's Degree in business administration or supply chain
• Exposure to site leadership and operations
• Any exposure to Kroger Category Management System Data Warehouse and Business Objects

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!