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.From one tiny Cincinnati grocery store more than a century ago, we've grown into what today is the nation's largest grocer with nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states operating under 28 different names. As America's grocer, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.

Here, people matter. That's why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.

Whether you're seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we've got a fresh opportunity for you. Apply today to become part of our Kroger family!

What you'll receive from us:

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

• A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
• Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
• Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching with Goldman Sachs Ayco.
• Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
• Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
• Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

For more information about benefits and eligibility, please visit our Benefits Page ! 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

• 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.