Associate Business Manager

We provide a wealth of merchandising expertise and vast brokerage capabilities in all facets of grocery retailing. Relationship Management Category Management Insights & Analytics Space Optimization Promotional Planning Administration POSITION SUMMARY: As an Associate Business Manager, you will be responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of small to mid-sized CPG clients, owning both business performance and day-to-day execution. This role operates with guidance and oversight from a Senior Business Manager (SBM) and/or Director and is designed to build the skills necessary to independently manage larger, more complex client businesses over time.

About Plmarketing

• Entrepreneurial | Expert | Exclusive | Empowering We are entrepreneurial growth agents for our clients and our company.
• Backed by PLM’s 35+ years of experience, we bring unparalleled Kroger expertise.
• We operate exclusively at Kroger, where our team excels in navigating its strategy, systems, and decision-making processes.
• We are an employee-owned company, fostering a culture and work environment that empowers and engages employees.
• three sixty Merchandising Solutions specializes in the strategic expansion of CPG client product portfolios at Kroger, America’s leading grocery retailer.

Responsibilities

• The Associate Business Manager combines strategic thinking and hands-on execution, serving as the primary driver of results across the assigned desk.
• Lead and strengthen client engagement.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day point of contact for assigned clients, aligning strategies and fostering collaboration with Kroger stakeholders with guidance from a SBM or Director as needed
• Ensure transparency, efficiency, and alignment across clients, Kroger, and internal teams
• Lead day-to-day client engagement, escalating complex, strategic, or high-risk topics appropriately
• Leverage data to drive strategic decisions.
• Pull and manage data through 84.51 Stratum, OnDemand and related systems
• Create and distribute weekly & period scorecards and standard reports
• Analyze and monitor performance to identify opportunities or risks
• Translate data into clear, actionable recommendations, aligned to business objectives
• Ensure data accuracy, consistency and professional deliverable formatting
• Develop and execute strategies to drive growth.
• In partnership with SBM and/or Director develop, execute and support promotional plans aligned with client strategy and Kroger’s guardrails, providing strategic, analytic, technical, and administrative support
• Communicate promotional strategies to stakeholders to ensure effective execution
• Monitor performance and recommend optimization opportunities based on results KOMPASS and innovation: Drive assortment and new item success.
• Support clients through the KOMPASS process, recommending new product introductions and merchandising opportunities with Senior Business Manager or Director guidance
• Assist in aligning brand and product strategies with Kroger category objectives
• Coordinate execution of new item setup and launch readiness

Own timely & flawless administrative support

• Kroger and internal systems and tools (ex.
• 1worldsync, Syndigo, DemandTec, MS Planner and Sharepoint, etc.) Own execution of processes, documentation and form submissions (examples include item setup, contracts, and promotional workflows).
• Support client payment reconciliation process Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness across all administrative activities.
• Coordinate with support resources when applicable while retaining accountability for outcomes and execution quality.
• Manage and communicate progress and timelines on tasks & projects
• Prioritize workload and manage responsibilities within established guidelines
• Work effectively with cross-functional teams to accomplish shared goals
• Professionally represent and promote three sixty Serve as an ambassador, representing three sixty Merchandising Solutions to clients, Kroger stakeholders, and the overarching community
• Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to Kroger and P.L. Marketing employees.

Requirements

• Build credibility through consistent execution, insights, and professional communication
• Develop industry knowledge and presence over time, strengthening effectiveness and leadership capability MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: 4-year degree in Business, Marketing, Operations, Economics or equivalent education 4+ years of relevant industry experience

Proficient Microsoft Office applications including

• Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint Capacity to learn multiple computer systems and web-based applications
• Capability to collaborate with others and contribute effectively to a team

Expert 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
• Adapt to advancing technology and Kroger systems MINIMUM PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Must be able to perform essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable
• Making – Analyzing opportunities, issues or problems leveraging data to make informed, effective decisions aligned with objectives.
• 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 – able to work without direct supervision; prioritizing, organizing and completing workload accurately within allotted time period
• Standards – setting and maintaining high performance expectations and accountability for results.

Accommodations Must be able to

remain standing/sitting for several hours at a time lift 10-15 lbs. occasionally DESIRED PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE: Administrative support position in office environment Data analysis and reporting experience Retail or grocery experience in a HQ environment DSD Experience is a plus COMPETENCIES/SKILLS: Some of the Competencies/Skills required to successfully perform this position are: Adaptability – Effectively adjusting to changes in tasks, processes, or work environments. Building Strategic Working Relationships – Building collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve 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.