Kroger

Direct Sourcing - Sr. Sourcing Managers- Tomatoes/ Dry Veg

Kroger$90K — $120K *
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience
  • 5-7 years of experience in sourcing, procurement analysis, or category management
  • Strong decision-making skills in volatile markets
  • Proven experience with complex sourcing initiatives in high-spend categories
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
  • Strong analytical and financial acumen
  • Proficiency in managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously

Responsibilities

  • Lead category strategy execution through complex sourcing initiatives and vendor selection
  • Conduct complex cost negotiations and optimize trade investment agreements
  • Manage strategic supplier relationships and track performance metrics
  • Drive promotional sourcing and coordinate vendor funding commitments
  • Assess market dynamics and mitigate supply risks proactively
  • Collaborate with supply planning to align sourcing decisions with inventory strategies
  • Supervise and coach team members, providing performance feedback

Benefits

  • Opportunity to shape sourcing strategies for high-impact categories
  • Access to advanced negotiation tactics with major suppliers
  • Chance to collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive supply chain excellence
  • Involvement in mitigating supply risks in volatile markets
  • Professional development through performance reviews and coaching opportunities
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Direct Sourcing Manager II leads high-impact sourcing strategies for enterprise-critical, commodity-sensitive categories, partnering with major manufacturers to optimize cost, quality, compliance, and supply continuity. Operating in volatile markets, the role independently guides sourcing and supply decisions with Merchandising and Supply Planning teams to support assortment, margin, and in-stock goals. Through cross-functional alignment, advanced negotiations, and strong market insight, the position drives measurable value and safeguards category financial performance. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

Responsibilities

  • Lead category strategy execution through complex sourcing initiatives; translate approved category strategies into multi-year sourcing plans and independently lead vendor selection, supplier award recommendations, cost negotiations, and supply alignment for financially intensive and supply-risk-sensitive categories.
  • Lead complex cost negotiations and trade investment optimization; independently negotiate multi-million-dollar cost positions, pricing structures, and trade investment agreements with national and commodity-based suppliers, leveraging market intelligence, demand forecasts, and supplier economics within defined financial parameters.
  • Lead strategic supplier relationships and performance; engage with suppliers to communicate priorities, resolve issues, and monitor performance against service, quality, and cost metrics including Vendor Compliance issues, fees & fines and Kroger Precision Marketing spend to ensure sustained financial and operational performance.
  • Drive promotional sourcing and vendor investment alignment; lead sourcing of promotional programs, negotiate vendor funding commitments, and align supply and production plans with promotional calendars in partnership with Merchandising and Supply Chain teams.
  • Assess market dynamics and mitigate supply risk; continuously monitor commodity pricing, geopolitical developments, regulatory changes, and supply chain disruptions; evaluate financial and operational exposure; and proactively adjust sourcing strategies or escalate material risks to protect category performance.
  • Collaborate with supply planning and replenishment teams; align sourcing decisions with inventory strategies, lead times, and forecast accuracy to support in-stock goals.
  • Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports.
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.


Qualifications

Minimum
  • Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience
  • 5-7 years of experience as a sourcing or procurement analyst, buyer, or role within category management
  • Strong decision-making skills in volatile markets with financial and supply-risk implications
  • Proven experience leading complex sourcing initiatives in high-spend, commodity-sensitive categories
  • Ability to collaborate with Merchandising, Supply Planning, and Replenishment teams
  • Strong analytical and financial acumen
  • Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously


Desired
  • Advanced degree or MBA
  • Prior experience in food, CPG, or commodity-driven categories (e.g., beef, poultry, berries, beverages, paper, chemicals)
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to food safety, quality, and compliance
  • Experience driving product or process innovation with suppliers


About Kroger

Kroger serves customers and the community, how we innovate, and who we hire.

Kroger Careers

Joining Kroger means becoming part of a historic company committed to transforming the grocery industry. As one of America's largest retailers, Kroger offers unparalleled job opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation, leadership, and diversity.

Work You'll Do

At Kroger, every position contributes to our mission of feeding the human spirit. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive change and master their career journey through various employment paths, from in-store roles to corporate positions.

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Embrace the chance to be at the forefront of industry innovation with Kroger. Our team is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices and technologies that enhance customer experience and community well-being. Your skills in leadership and innovation will find a nurturing home here, pushing the boundaries of what a grocery company can achieve.

Grow with Us

Kroger is not just a company; it's a place where you can grow. We invest in our team's growth through comprehensive training programs, leadership development, and opportunities for advancement. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture, ensuring every team member can thrive.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Kroger is diverse, skilled, and driven—united by a shared commitment to our customers and each other. Working here, you'll engage in meaningful work that directly impacts communities, supported by a network of colleagues who are as passionate about their careers as you are.

Internship and Training Opportunities

Start your professional journey with Kroger through our internship programs or dive into our diversity training initiatives that prepare you for a long-term career with us. These programs are designed to enhance your skills and ensure you are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

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Kroger offers a competitive benefits package that supports the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From healthcare to retirement plans, we provide the benefits you need to secure your future.

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Learn more about Kroger
Size
420,000 employees
Market Cap
$32.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.5 billion
Founded
1883
5 Year Trend
+3.6%
Revenue
$132.4 billion
NASDAQ

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