Allocation Analyst

POSITION SUMMARY:

Develop effective allocations using the Enterprise Allocator (EA) toolset that maximizes corporate resources in logistics and operations while also maximizing sales and sell through at stores. Follow and assist in developing best practices to ensure that the right products are allocated to the right stores. Work closely with Category Management and Promo Planning teams to understand the desired promotional plan.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• This hybrid position will be required to work in our Corporate Office at least two days per week based on your team’s schedule 
• Works with both Kroger Category Management team and P.L. Marketing Merchandising on corporate brand and national brand items, accurately allocating products at an enterprise level.
• Analyzes past, present, and future allocations to identify trends and opportunities for future improvements.
• Uses post analysis and best practices to improve future performance and effectiveness.
• Requests data from all external and internal partners to provide complete and detailed analysis of promotions.
• Develop and present allocations that have the greatest potential to improve sales at the store and division level.
• Monitors product sales, store level sell through and reports on the effectiveness of the allocations.
• Fosters and develops a professional consultative relationship with key internal and external stake holders to ensure all inputs are being considered and shared objectives are being met.
• Provide feedback on the allocation process and recommend opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of best practices and future processes.
• Organizes, maintains, produces, and distributes forms, reports and other documents as identified by the key stake holders in the assigned categories.
• Establishes schedules and deadlines to keep current and upcoming priorities and deliverables transparent for all key stake holders within Category Management and Promo Planning.
• Ensure that all Kroger and P.L. Marketing best practices are being followed.
• Maintains a flexible approach and schedule to effectively respond to the changing needs of the customer.
• This hybrid position will be required to work in our Corporate Office at least two days per week based on your team's schedule.
   

Must be able to perform essential job function of this position with or without reasonable accommodations.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• 4-year degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Degree in Business or Marketing preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in the grocery, retailing, merchandising or CPG industry preferred.
• Proficient in utilizing Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Experience working in large data base systems and other web-based applications such as Oracle or other SAP system preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment.
• Very strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly motivated self-starter who can work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively craft and deliver a message to senior level executives.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, prioritize and multi-task.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• A blend of merchandising and data analysis experience.
• 2 years of experience in sales or sales planning preferred.
• Experience with category sales, marketing, management, product development, negotiations, vendor relations, procurement, distribution, and merchandising preferred.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL ABILITIES: 

• Must be able to:

• Remain standing/sitting for several hours at a time.
• Lift 10-30 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 much 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.