Sales Operations Specialist - Kroger
REPORTS TO: VP- Kroger Team
DEPARTMENT: Sales
DATE: January 2025
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
Employee Philosophy
Each employee should treat RecorGroup as their own, to take responsibility for their work, be willing to learn & grow and to foster & enhance the culture of the organization. RecorGroup’s goal is to create an environment that allows people to maintain work-life-balance, to thrive and be satisfied in their career.
Position Overview
The Sales Operations Specialist supports the Kroger Team by ensuring accuracy and consistency across client promotions, pricing, contracts, and deductions. This role bridges communication between clients, retailers, and internal teams — keeping sales initiatives on track and ensuring flawless execution and accuracy.
You’ll use Kroger-specific platforms like Vendor Item Portal (VIP), Supplier Hub, and Lavante to manage item submissions, maintain cost accuracy, validate deductions, and submit promotional contracts.
Essential Functions
Client Operations:
- Manage new item submissions and maintenance through Kroger’s Vendor Item Portal (VIP) and transition to Kroger Item API
- Oversee promotional plans and contracts, ensuring timely submission, approval, and tracking
- Maintain accurate promotional planners and communication
- Coordinate with client partner customer service to resolve shipment or order discrepancies.
- Support claims and deduction resolution, including processing through Lavante and reconciling EDI discrepancies
- Assist with EDI order processing, ensuring pricing and order details align with customer requirements
- Provide administrative and analytical support during client planning sessions and business reviews
- Develop and update sales presentations, internal trackers, and retailer-specific documentation
Executive Operations:
- Partner with Sales and Analytics teams to ensure data accuracy, reporting consistency, and timely client deliverables.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance speed, accuracy, and transparency.
- Lead or assist with special projects and business initiatives as assigned.
- Stay current on Kroger systems and retailer expectations, proactively addressing changes.
- Support internal communication, ensuring leadership and cross-functional teams are informed on key account activities.
Experience, Skills & Abilities
Education & Experience Required
- High school diploma and 3+ years of Kroger sales operations/administrative support experience required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.
- Prior experience working with Kroger systems (VIP, Supplier Hub, Lavante, Demandtec, etc.) strongly preferred.
- Experience in a broker, manufacturer, or CPG sales environment a plus.
Skills & Abilities
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities with a sense of urgency and professionalism.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, can-do attitude.
- Customer-focused mindset with the ability to navigate complex retail systems.
Physical Demands & Environment
This position works in a remote office environment, indoors subject to fluctuations in temperature (indoor climate control) with moderate noise level and lighting. This position has the following physical demands and incumbents must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Sufficient mobility to move around the office
Ability to use hands for grasping files, papers, notebooks, writing implements, etc.
Visual acuity sufficient to read documents on paper and on the computer
Sitting at a desk for up to 8 hours at a time
May lift up to 20 lbs.
Travel Requirements
This position will travel occasionally
Disclaimer:
Incumbent must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately without causing a significant safety threat to self or others. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skill required of all personnel so classified. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.