Job Not Found
$65k/yr
Junior
Bachelor's
Cincinnati, OH, USA
In PersonFive days in the office are required.
Operations & LogisticsProcurement & Sourcing
About the job
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Analytics, Economics, Communications, or a related field is preferred.
- At least one year of experience in merchandising, procurement, replenishment, supply chain, inventory management, business analytics, or a related function is preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, reporting, and data analysis.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and cross-functional business partners.
- Experience analyzing sales, inventory, and purchasing data to support business decisions.
- Knowledge of procurement, inventory management, and retail merchandising practices.
- Strong financial acumen and understanding of key business metrics.
- Ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make sound recommendations.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Proficiency in analytical tools and data sources such as KCMS, Business Objects, Extra (OLP), and iTrade.
- Familiarity with Microsoft platforms such as Excel, Access, and Word.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary liaison between Category Managers, Buyers, Suppliers, Replenishment, Distribution Centers, and Supply Chain teams.
- Monitor purchase orders from creation through receipt, ensuring timely and accurate execution.
- Verify purchase orders are placed according to category plans, supplier commitments, and replenishment requirements.
- Track shipment activity and ensure purchase orders are dispatched, delivered, and received according to schedule.
- Communicate proactively with suppliers and internal partners regarding shipment delays, shortages, quality concerns, or inventory risks.
- Coordinate purchase order revisions due to supplier changes, replenishment adjustments, or operational requirements.
- Review purchase order status reports and resolve exceptions impacting product availability.
- Manage and resolve distribution center overages, shortages, damages, and rejected loads.
- Partner with Supply Chain and Distribution teams to identify and resolve fulfillment issues.
- Support advertising execution and promotional events by ensuring inventory commitments and purchase orders align with merchandising plans.
- Maintain supplier communications regarding pricing, volume commitments, shipment schedules, and operational performance.
- Assist Category Managers with execution of category strategies and seasonal programs.
- Ensure timely resolution of operational issues impacting in-stock performance and customer service.
- Develop strong working relationships with internal and external business partners.
- Support department initiatives, process improvements, and cross-functional projects.
- Demonstrate Kroger's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience working with Kroger or similar retail accounts is a plus.
- Experience with purchasing, inventory management, or enterprise resource planning systems is preferred.
About the company
Empire Marketing Strategies provides in-store sales support and category management for The Kroger Co. across Kroger banners, deploying department-focused teams to manage shelf presence, planogram compliance, displays, and out-of-stock resolution in 2,500+ stores. The company integrates technology—proprietary out-of-stock alerts, AI shelf monitoring, GoSpotCheck, and Power BI dashboards—alongside data from 84.51° Stratum, Circana, and Kantar to drive category insights and execution. Its approach is grounded in long-standing Kroger partnerships and specialized store-level expertise to support brands in gaining shelf impact. The goal is to help consumer packaged goods brands grow their Kroger market share through hands-on retail execution and data-driven decisions.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
N/A
Founded
1980
Get referred to Empire Marketing Strategies
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Empire posted 37 open roles on September 9, 2026, signaling expansion.
- Kroger launched TikTok self-service ads in June 2026, creating more activation demand.
- Empire’s August 1, 2026 website highlights 300-plus categories and 2026-ready digital operations.
What critics are saying
- Kroger Precision Marketing centralized insights and self-service tools in 2025, compressing broker value.
- Empire depends entirely on Kroger; any contract reset would cripple revenue within one renewal cycle.
- Retail media automation and AI shelf monitoring replace manual brokerage work, threatening margins by 2026.
What makes Empire Marketing Strategies unique
- Exclusive Kroger broker since 1980 across 2,500-plus stores anchors Empire’s distribution moat.
- Empire deploys department specialists for meat, deli, produce, and center store execution.
- Its 84.51° Stratum, Circana, and Kantar-certified insights team sells data-driven category decisions.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Mental Health Support
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Flexible Work Hours