Austen Bates
Portland,OR
Summary
Results-motivated professional with experience leading cross-functional initiatives, coordinating complex projects, and building trusted relationships with vendors and stakeholders. Known for fostering collaborative partnerships, managing competing priorities, and delivering high-quality results through strategic communication, process improvement, and effective project execution. Passionate about helping teams achieve successful outcomes while continuously improving the way work gets done.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Category Manager
Kroger Co
Portland, OR
02.2022 - Current
- Built and maintained trusted vendor partnerships within all segments of managed commodities, driving collaboration and delivering strong business results.
- Onboarded all new vendors and negotiated contracts to enhance supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness and supported long-term strategic objectives.
- Analyzed assortment performance, sales trends and item profitability to identify growth opportunities and apply strategies that have consistently achieved financial goals.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute category strategy, manage competing priories in a fast paced environment and deliver objectives on schedule.
Assistant Financial Planner
Kroger Co.
Portland, OR
03.2020 - 02.2022
- Developed and managed financial plans to support company budget goals and drive profitable sales
- Partnered with buyers to identify sales opportunities and analyze performance gaps
- Completed market research to find new business opportunities
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders to ensure they were aligned with current budget and sales goals
Assistant Buyer
Korger Co.
Portland, OR
02.2018 - 03.2020
- Directly responsible for bringing in new and exciting products to Kroger's cell accessories category and merchandising all cell accessory planograms across the company and its banners.
- Negotiating with suppliers and building long term relationships with vendors
- Setting up new items and keeping track of distribution and sales
- Maintaining category margin while trying to boost sales through item promotion and advertising
Administrator
Kroger Co
Portland, Oregon
08.2013 - 02.2018
- Build relationships with store employees and work on resolving any store issues including pricing, advertising and inventory problems.
- Maintain database information for vendors, products, ads etc.
- Assisted in various business areas outside of my job description
- Sat on several committees aimed at bettering business functions
Education
High School Diploma - General/Advance Placement
Forest Grove High School
Forest Grove, Oregon2011
Skills
- Project Planning & Cross-Functional Project Management
- Data Analysis & Advanced Microsoft Excel
- Stakeholder & Vendor Relationship Management
- Continuous Process Improvement
- Budgeting, Forecasting and Financial Analysis
Timeline
Category Manager
Kroger Co
02.2022 - Current
Assistant Financial Planner
Kroger Co.
03.2020 - 02.2022
Assistant Buyer
Korger Co.
02.2018 - 03.2020
Administrator
Kroger Co
08.2013 - 02.2018
High School Diploma - General/Advance Placement
Forest Grove High School