Douglas Niebrugge
A
Louisville,KY
Summary
Visionary leader with 30+ years of experience in Ecommerce Strategy, S&OP, Supply Chain, consumer packaged goods (CPG), Retail Operations and Merchandising. Proven track record in building and managing national account strategies, driving top-line growth, and delivering bottom-line results through innovative sales, procurement, and supply chain solutions. Skilled in cultivating executive-level customer relationships, negotiating multimillion-dollar vendor agreements, and leading high-performing teams. Adept at identifying “big bet” opportunities, developing go-to-market strategies, and aligning cross-functional teams to achieve sales, profitability, and distribution objectives.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
eCommerce Assortment Strategy Manager
The Kroger Company
01.2023 - Current
- Designed and executed category strategies that grew sales and market share in key seasonal and multicultural segments.
- Partnered with merchandising and supply chain leaders to ensure distribution, pricing, and promotion strategies were aligned with customer demand.
- Expanded eCommerce Virtual Club Pack program, generating incremental revenue and strengthening Kroger’s value proposition.
- Identified new market opportunities through data-driven assortment analysis, increasing customer penetration.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Versatile professional with strong problem-solving skills and history of adapting to diverse challenges. Applies innovative solutions and technical expertise to deliver exceptional results. Committed to streamlining processes and advancing organizational objectives.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Organized professional with expertise in managing resources and optimizing performance. Proficient in providing valuable insights and supporting decision-making processes. Committed to enhancing productivity and contributing to overall success.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Goal-oriented professional with proven success in applying analytical skills to solve complex problems and overcome challenges. Dedicated to enhancing team performance and driving business success.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Logistics Supply Chain Planning Commodity Manager
The Kroger Company
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Directed sourcing and distribution of 92 commodities, ensuring multi-billion-dollar product availability across the enterprise.
- Built and coached a high-performing team, improving operational efficiency and strengthening talent pipelines for leadership roles.
- Negotiated vendor agreements that balanced competitive pricing with GP% improvement, while sustaining high service levels.
- Developed strategies for major national promotions, boosting customer satisfaction and supporting sales growth.
Logistics Supply Chain Planning Manager
The Kroger Company
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Oversaw enterprise allocation strategy, ensuring on-time, in-full delivery of import and domestic products across multiple DCs.
- Collaborated with national vendors and distributors to enhance flow efficiency, supporting in-store marketing and merchandising priorities.
- Partnered with IT to develop forecasting and planning tools, improving budget accuracy and enabling faster business decisions.
- Managed $1B+ in seasonal and promotional inventory, achieving sales targets while reducing excess costs.
Manager of Logistics Promotional Supply Chain
The Kroger Company
01.2006 - 01.2017
- Directed promotional supply chain operations, aligning marketing and sales campaigns with national distribution strategies.
- Delivered annual savings of $20M+ by removing 10,000 truckloads from distribution through improved routing and flow planning.
- Built strategic partnerships with vendors and distributors, ensuring reliable supply to support national promotions.
- Strengthened customer experience by increasing service levels and supporting product availability for high-visibility events.
Division Director – Supply Chain & Procurement
The Kroger Company
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Directed procurement, sales support, and customer service operations for five DCs serving 400+ stores nationwide.
- Negotiated vendor contracts and managed sourcing, securing favorable terms that enhanced gross profit margins.
- Built and led centralized customer service departments, improving account communication and boosting customer retention.
- Expanded account penetration by developing new sourcing strategies and aligning with customer business goals.
Store Director & Merchandising Specialist
The Kroger Company
01.1991 - 01.2000
- Managed $25M+ retail store operations, consistently achieving top performance in sales and profitability.
- Directed merchandising strategies across a 16-store district, boosting category sales and improving customer satisfaction.
- Trained and coached store leaders, strengthening succession planning and building future bench strength.
Education
Bachelor of Science - undefined
Quincy University
Quincy, ILSkills
- National Account Sales Leadership Customer Penetration & Relationship Development
- Strategic Planning & P&L Management Sales Forecasting (ROFO) & Budgeting
- Negotiation & Contract Management Vendor & Distributor Collaboration
- ECommerce & Assortment Strategy CPG / Foodservice Growth Strategy
- Team Development & Coaching Lean/Six Sigma Process Improvement
Accomplishments
- Delivered $1B+ in seasonal and promotional product sales by leading enterprise-wide procurement, inventory, and distribution strategies.
- Improved gross profit margins through vendor negotiations, optimizing trade spend, and enhancing flow efficiency.
- Drove multimillion-dollar cost savings by eliminating 10,000 truckloads annually, reducing transportation spend while improving sustainability.
- Expanded new category strategies in eCommerce and multicultural markets, unlocking incremental growth opportunities.
- Built and coached high-performing teams of managers and analysts, advancing future leaders and driving consistent overachievement of targets.
- Penetrated new customer markets by aligning sourcing, sales, and merchandising strategies to capture untapped demand.
Certification
Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt Certification – Six Sigma Academy / Kroger Excellence
Timeline
eCommerce Assortment Strategy Manager
The Kroger Company
01.2023 - Current
Logistics Supply Chain Planning Commodity Manager
The Kroger Company
01.2019 - 01.2023
Logistics Supply Chain Planning Manager
The Kroger Company
01.2017 - 01.2019
Manager of Logistics Promotional Supply Chain
The Kroger Company
01.2006 - 01.2017
Division Director – Supply Chain & Procurement
The Kroger Company
01.2000 - 01.2006
Store Director & Merchandising Specialist
The Kroger Company
01.1991 - 01.2000
Bachelor of Science - undefined
Quincy University
Similar Profiles
Shenevelyn RossShenevelyn Ross
Division Fuel Manager at The Kroger CompanyDivision Fuel Manager at The Kroger Company
Katrina ScottKatrina Scott
Accounts Payable Lead at The Kroger CompanyAccounts Payable Lead at The Kroger Company
Natesh ShettyNatesh Shetty
Group Product Manager Customer, Loyalty, & Savings at The Kroger CompanyGroup Product Manager Customer, Loyalty, & Savings at The Kroger Company
Brittney ValleBrittney Valle
Mentor at SelfMentor at Self
EMILY SINGHEMILY SINGH
Farm Supervisor at GreenFields Agricultural EnterprisesFarm Supervisor at GreenFields Agricultural Enterprises