SARAH BURLESON
Cincinnati
Summary
Results-driven professional specializing in procurement, inventory management, vendor relations, and data analysis. Proven ability to manage large-scale portfolios, optimize operations, and drive performance through data-informed decision-making. Recognized for strong cross-functional collaboration, problem-solving, and building high-impact supplier partnerships.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
2014
2014
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Assistant Category Manager
The Kroger Company
Cincinnati
11.2025 - 03.2026
- Support category strategy and execution across HBC Nutrition, Eye & Ear Care, and Foot Care categories.
- Partner with vendors to develop and execute promotional plans across 13 retail periods.
- Analyze sales data using KCMSDW and Market 6 to identify trends and support decisions.
- Manage promotional setup including MEGA, 5X Digital, First to Market, and Weekly Digital Deals.
- Review and manage Tradepoint contracts.
- Oversee cost changes and pricing updates.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to execute category initiatives.
- Assisted in developing category strategies to optimize product assortment.
Corporate Procurement Buyer
The Kroger Company
Blue Ash
01.2015 - 11.2025
- Managed a $50MM inventory portfolio across 2000+ SKUS and 120 vendors, supporting over 2000 stores.
- Controlled inventory days of supply at a high service level (95% or above) across three distribution centers, supporting 500 stores in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Reduced aged inventory through strategic collaboration with category managers & vendors.
- Leveraged sales forecasts, historical trends, and promotional calendars to optimize purchase decisions and ensure optimal in-stock performance.
- Created and monitored purchase orders, resolved shipping issues, tracked late trucks, and coordinated product allocations to ensure product flow.
- Led quarterly meetings with suppliers to improve On-Time Delivery and supply chain KPI's, resulting in delivery improvements.
- Decreased shrink by utilizing Tableau and Power BI Reports to proactively identify at-risk SKUs.
- Built & maintained strong positive vendor relationships through consistent communication and performance reviews.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to align purchasing strategies with company goals.
Data Integrity Specialist
The Kroger Company
Cincinnati
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Oversaw new-item setup and maintenance processes across Grocery, Natural Foods, and HBC categories.
- Assisted vendors and category managers with KOMPASS timelines & POG posting.
- Training & coaching teammates on internal systems such as Venus, PID, and POG DOG.
Administrative Support Personnel
The Kroger Company
Cincinnati
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Provided administrative support for category managers, including scheduling, contract maintenance, and item setup.
- Assisted in merchandising operations and promotional planning.
Education
Associate of Arts - Information Technology and Web Design
University of Phoenix
Skills
- Vendor Management
- Purchase Order Creation
- Attention To Detail
- Inventory Management
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Strategic Thinking
- Promo Planning & Execution
- Power BI & Tableau Reporting
- Forecasting & Planning
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Communication
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Timeline
Assistant Category Manager
The Kroger Company
11.2025 - 03.2026
Corporate Procurement Buyer
The Kroger Company
01.2015 - 11.2025
Data Integrity Specialist
The Kroger Company
01.2007 - 01.2015
Administrative Support Personnel
The Kroger Company
01.2004 - 01.2007
Associate of Arts - Information Technology and Web Design
University of Phoenix