Logistics/Buyer Lvl III

Responsible for replenishment of assigned vendors/items through designated DCs. Monitor shipments and inventory, communicate with divisions and suppliers, and generate purchase orders to optimize DC service levels, days of supply, aged inventory, and store in-stock. Demonstrate the companys core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Essential Job Functions:
• Manage the most difficult replenishment desks, including items with the highest volume, demand volatility, perishability, SKU count, and/or supply chain complexity.
• Write POs for designated vendors (turn and promotional).
• Perform accounting research and validate PO costs and contracts to ensure correct billing as required.
• Replenish any new items based on reset schedules.
• Manage the flow of product related to pack changes, bonus packs, and discontinued items.
• Review division ad and display plans.
• Liaison for assigned DCs and divisions and manage relationships
• Manage critical metrics with DCs, departments, divisions and, in some cases, stores (e.g., aged and excess inventory, days of supply, and service levels).
• Mentor and assist in training and developing replenishment buyers with regards to best practices to achieve team goals.
• Serve as backup to Coordinator/Lead Buyer with overall team responsibilities when they are out of the office.
• Collaborate with vendors to discuss major upcoming promotions and new items.
• Review forecasts for turn, ad, and display merchandise and collaborate with demand planners to improve.
• Develop strategies, best practices, and forecasts to assist other buyers, departments, and vendors.
• Partner with Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) analysts and ensure third parties receive accurate forecasts.
• Coordinate arrival of product and warehouse turnover in accordance with retail store needs, sound inventory control, and warehouse delivery schedules; manage delivery rescheduling.
• Communicate with warehouse receivers, inspectors and the Regional Accounting Service Center (RASC).
• Communicate with all suppliers to promote accuracy/efficiency of the ordering process, the completeness of shipments, and on-time deliveries; notify vendors of replenishment needs for manufacturing planning.
• Identify supply chain capacity constraints, logistics and other opportunities (e.g., promo DTS opportunities).
• Conduct regular store order reviews.
• Allocate product as needed.
• Receive and manage Quality Assurance information to maintain fresh, sellable product in the warehouses (fresh dept. only).
• Maintain flexibility to work some weekends and holidays.
• Maintain flexibility to travel up to 25%.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Desired Previous Job Experience:
• Bachelors degree
• Exposure to Kroger Category Management System Data Warehouse, Business Objects, Kroger Procurement Systems
• Division store management experience
Minimum Position Qualifications:�
• Experience in either replenishment buying, store co-management, operations, supply chain, merchandising, or similar experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Intermediate knowledge of Excel, Word and Outlook
• Strong organization and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form