Retail Account Manager - Kroger

About Bluebird ==================

We're The Bluebird Group - we're an omnichannel commerce partner that helps brands grow across every retail and digital channel.

We sit at the intersection of retail, eCommerce, media, and data. We help brands show up wherever their customers are (Target, Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Kroger, social commerce like TikTok, and beyond) and drive real sales growth.

We're not just strategists - we're a hands-on team of experienced retail operators who execute across everything from retail media and creative to data, insights, and full go-to-market strategy.

The result: we simplify what's become a really complex retail landscape and help brands scale faster and smarter.

Job Summary ===============

We're looking for a Retail Account Manager to support a portfolio of Kroger supplier accounts by driving operational execution, forecasting accuracy, inventory management, and business performance.

This role serves as a key connection point between our clients, Kroger, and internal teams. You'll be responsible for maintaining account health, identifying opportunities, solving operational challenges, and ensuring brands are positioned for success through strong planning, reporting, and execution.

The ideal candidate is analytical, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities while supporting both client objectives and Kroger requirements.

This position is based in the Greater Cincinnati area.

What You'll Do ==================

Account Management & Client

Support

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• Serve as a key point of contact for clients, Kroger teams, and internal stakeholders
• Partner with sales leadership and internal teams to support day-to-day account management activities across a portfolio of Kroger supplier accounts
• Build strong working relationships with client teams, Kroger category managers, process managers, and internal partners
• Maintain accurate records related to program agreements, pricing, product information, order status, planning activities, and vendor setup
• Help clients navigate Kroger processes, requirements, and retailer expectations

Forecasting, Planning & Inventory Management

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• Develop and manage demand forecasts to support inventory flow and business performance
• Monitor inventory positions and in-stock levels, proactively identifying risks and recommending solutions
• Analyze sales trends, replenishment needs, and forecast performance to support client and retailer objectives
• Partner with clients and internal teams to improve forecasting accuracy and inventory health
• Support planning for new item launches, promotional events, seasonal programs, and execution of Kroger's Divisional Sales Merchandising Plan (DSMP)

Supply Chain & Operational Execution

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• Drive initiatives that improve service levels, inventory flow, and execution across Kroger accounts
• Monitor customer purchase orders and support issue resolution as needed
• Identify and resolve operational challenges impacting vendor performance, inventory health, or account execution
• Partner with suppliers, Kroger teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth execution across account activities
• Support continuous improvement efforts that enhance operational performance and retailer execution

Performance Analytics & Business Insights

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• Analyze vendor performance metrics and identify trends, risks, and growth opportunities
• Utilize 84.51 data and reporting tools to identify opportunities, evaluate performance, and support decision-making
• Conduct root cause analysis to resolve operational and performance challenges
• Provide regular sell-through reporting, promotional analysis, performance insights, and actionable recommendations to clients
• Translate data into insights that support business decisions and account growth
• Monitor key business metrics and communicate performance updates to stakeholders

Item & Program Management

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• Create, maintain, and update items within Kroger systems
• Support new item launches, item maintenance, and retailer readiness activities
• Develop customer-facing new item presentations, business reviews, and supporting materials
• Ensure item information, pricing, attributes, and related documentation remain accurate and current
• Assist with vendor onboarding and setup activities as needed
• Support retailer initiatives and program execution across assigned accounts

Cross-Functional Collaboration

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• Partner with sales, operations, supply chain, finance, insights, and analytics teams to support account objectives
• Coordinate communication and information sharing across stakeholders
• Support special projects and business initiatives as needed
• Help identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting, and account execution
• Contribute to a collaborative, client-focused team environment

What We're Looking For

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Experience

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• Bachelor's degree preferred
• 2–5 years of relevant experience
• Experience working with Kroger on the retailer or supplier side
• Experience in account management, retail operations, supply chain, forecasting, analytics, or related fields
• Experience supporting consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands preferred
• Experience managing multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with demand planning and forecasting preferred

Skills & Competencies

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• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to leverage 84.51 data, identify opportunities, and develop actionable recommendations
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including sorting/filtering data, pivot tables, and VLOOKUPs
• Experience using AI-powered reporting, analysis, and productivity tools
• Working knowledge of Kroger systems, processes, and operational requirements preferred
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through

Leadership Attributes

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• Takes ownership and follows through on commitments
• Builds trust with clients, retailer partners, and internal teams
• Identifies issues early and proactively develops solutions
• Thrives in a fast-moving, collaborative environment
• Leads with accountability, attention to detail, and a customer-focused mindset
• Balances analytical thinking with execution and action

What Success Looks Like

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• Client accounts are operating efficiently with strong inventory health and operational execution
• Forecasts, reporting, and business insights help drive smarter decisions and stronger performance
• Retailer initiatives, item launches, and promotional programs are executed successfully
• Clients view Bluebird as a trusted partner in navigating and growing their business at Kroger
• Opportunities are identified proactively and translated into meaningful business results
• Cross-functional teams operate effectively to support client growth and retailer success

Our Commitment

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We prioritize the inclusion of diverse perspectives. We aspire for all team members to feel like this is a place where they belong, where they are respected by the company and empowered to impact the business and achieve their full potential. We understand that relationships built on trust, respect, and communication better serve our clients, team members, and business.

Disclaimer

This job description outlines typical functions and responsibilities but may evolve based on business needs.