Kroger, one of the world’s largest retailers, employs more than 339,000 associates who serve customers in 2,422 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s. The company also operates 790 convenience stores, 344 fine jewelry stores, 1,141 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S. Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and grassroots organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 160 million meals a year through more than 80 Feeding America food bank partners. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber’s Million Dollar Club.

Essential Job Functions:

Assist in writing Requests for Pricing Proposals (RFP) in order to request bids from several suppliers to win specified business and to establish the bidding format through e-business tool GNX/Agentrics.
Collaborate with the equipment buyer on analyzing bid proposals and pricing results to determine the winning supplier.
Evaluate transitional activities necessary to address any changes in supply source or the supply chain based upon bid results including diminishing existing inventories, establishing alternative distribution methods, and communicating changes to various departments that purchase non-retail items for the stores.
Award business and execute contract and any transitional activities.
Assist buyers in contacting various internal departments and facilities (Merchandising, Loss Prevention, Risk Management, Engineering, Operations, Stores, Distribution Centers, etc.) to establish specifications for the items.
Contact various suppliers to validate their ability to provide items and services to The Kroger Co. This process requires an evaluation of their finances, design resources, production capacity, distribution capabilities, etc.
Utilize the Purchasing System to create purchase orders, scrutinize and approve requisitions, write and monitor blanket orders, handle changes, and if necessary, adjust orders to supplier inventory to meet unusual delivery requirements.
Be able to quickly create, develop, and analyze spreadsheet data to assist the buyer in negotiating contracts and better determine cost of ownership.
Participate in weekly department meetings.
Complete specific internship assignments, as requested.
Complete cumulative project (summary of internship accomplishments) and present to Executive Team or appropriate Managers.
Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Behaviors/Skills:

Some of the Behaviors needed to successfully perform this position are:

Leadership Behaviors:

Puts the Customer First – Anticipates customer needs, champions for the customer, acts with customers in mind, exceeds customers’ expectations, gains customers’ trust and respect.
Communicates effectively and candidly – Communicates clearly and directly, approachable, relates well to others, engages people and helps them understand change, provides and seeks feedback, articulates clearly, actively listens.
Achieves results through teamwork – Is open to diverse ideas, works inclusively and collaboratively, holds self and others accountable, involves others to accomplish individual and team goals.
Leads through positive influence – Demonstrates strong character; builds partnerships; models a conscious balance between work and personal life; takes personal responsibility for own development; role models leadership qualities such as motivation, inspiration, passion and trust.
Coaches and develops others – Develops and cares about associates, builds effective teams, helps people be their best, values and manages diversity, provides candid and constructive feedback.
Leads change and innovation – Challenges the status quo, embraces technology, puts forward creative ideas, champions and implements process improvements, gathers the ideas of others, demonstrates good judgment about which ideas will work.
Executes with excellence – Is action oriented, drives for results, sets clear expectations and milestones, reviews progress, acts decisively, solves problems, can be counted on to consistently meet or exceed goals.
Provides clear and strategic direction – Plans and organizes well, sets a clear and simple course of action, stays focused on the most important priorities, has the ability to visualize and plan for the future, understands the industry and marketplace.
Safety Awareness -Identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee safety; upholding safety standards.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Position Qualifications:

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing or a similar field
Ability to read and understand product specification documentation and contracts
Ability to comprehend and initiate report criteria
Sophomore standing or higher at an accredited college or university
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Proven verbal and written communication skills required
Responds to change as a positive challenge
Significant level of multi-tasking required
Ability to preserve confidentiality of information
Accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to work on own initiative
Commitment to providing customer service
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent follow-through skills with both accuracy and efficiency
Ability to travel as needed

Desired Previous Experience:

Business related employment activities
Construction experience
Experience in a professional work environment
Managing multiple priorities between school, work, or extra-curricular activities
Involvement in leadership and community activities

Potential Career Path from this position:

Entry-level Facility Engineering position