Three Sixty Merchandising Specialist

**POSITION SUMMARY:** _Professionally represent 360 Merchandising and its suppliers to Kroger.  Actively facilitate communications with numerous suppliers/vendors/internal PLM team members.  Provide administrative support for 360 Business Managers, focusing on client data entry and communication to drive growth.  Actively represent 1-2 brands with Business Manager oversight to learn and become efficient in sales planning and other functions._ **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. * Work with Training and Development on best practice development for item setup, sales plan entry, vendor management, assortment lifecycle communications, etc.  Assist Training and Development with training program enhancements. * Actively oversee 1-2 brands, leading calls, and communication with our clients with Business Manager oversight. * Update and Maintain Item Grids * Prepare and distribute weekly client reports as required. * Prepare period sales plan files for ESP entry and communicate with suppliers. * Communicate with Kroger, Suppliers, and P.L. Marketing employees in a professional manner. * Other duties as assigned. * Must be able to perform essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations. _Must be able to perform essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations_ **MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:** * 4 year degree preferred or any appropriate combination of education and experience. * Degree in Business, Statistics, Marketing or Economics is desirable. * 1 + years of retail grocery experience preferred. * Expert knowledge of Excel, Word and PowerPoint. * Knowledge of internet, email and web based applications. * Understanding of Corporate Brands and their role in Kroger’s strategy. * Strong organizational and teamwork skills. * Strong analytical and problem solving skills. * Highly motivated self-starter who can work with minimal supervision. * Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of an audience from senior level executives, to administrative support. * Ability to prioritize and multi-task. * Experience handling customer inquiries and issues **MINIMUM PHYSICAL ABILITIES:**  * Must be able to: * remain standing/sitting for several hours at a time * must be able to lift 10-15 lbs. occasionally **DESIRED PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE:** * Administrative support position in office environment supporting clients to Kroger * Retail or grocery experience **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 with Merchandising Managers, Account Managers, Analysts, ASP’s, Vendors, CSM Teams and Category Managers to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals * Building Trust – interacting with Kroger suppliers and employees in a way that gives Kroger management confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization * Communication – Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to Kroger and P.L. Marketing employees in the English language * Customer Focus – making others’ needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive relationships with fellow P.L. Marketing and Kroger employees * 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 * Leadership – ability to recognize and provide training opportunities; give clear direction to accomplish assigned tasks; hold others to high standards of accountability and address issues when needed in a way that encourages, not discourages the employee * Negotiation – effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties * Self-Starter– able to work 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