Associate Business Manager

The Associate Business Manager will play a key role supporting the Kroger Fresh business by managing critical customer, client, and administrative processes. This position requires someone who can balance detailed day-to-day execution with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently across multiple priorities.

The ABM will work directly with Acosta BMs, Kroger, clients, customer service teams, and internal Acosta teams to manage contracts, orders, transportation and backhaul issues, deductions, EDI, customer forms, and other business needs. A significant portion of the role will also provide dedicated administrative support for an assigned client, including paperwork, forms, proprietary client systems, and ongoing business support.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, detail-oriented, comfortable working directly with customers and clients, and naturally curious when solving problems. We are looking for someone who does not simply correct an issue, but digs into the root cause, takes ownership, and helps prevent the issue from happening again.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Kroger Customer & Contract Support

• Manage Kroger contract creation and maintenance, including work within DemandTec and other customer platforms.
• Complete customer forms, price changes, item maintenance, and other Kroger-facing documentation.
• Develop a strong understanding of Kroger processes, systems, requirements, and timelines.
• Partner with Business Managers to support promotional planning and execution.

Customer Service, Orders & Backhaul

• Serve as a day-to-day point of contact with Kroger Backhaul, client customer service teams, and internal partners.
• Coordinate truck scheduling and work through late trucks, scheduling challenges, and transportation issues.
• Manage PO adjustments, order discrepancies, pricing questions, and other order-related issues.
• Proactively identify recurring issues and recommend solutions that prevent future disruptions.

Deductions & Claims Management

• Research deductions to determine validity and supporting documentation requirements.
• Work directly with client contacts and internal Acosta teams to investigate discrepancies.
• Identify whether deductions should be accepted, challenged, or require further research.
• Gather and organize supporting documentation needed to resolve or dispute deductions.
• Identify patterns and recurring deduction issues and partner with the appropriate teams to address the root cause.
• Become knowledgeable in client proprietary deduction and financial systems.

Dedicated Client Administrative Support

• Provide dedicated administrative support for an assigned client.
• Complete customer and client forms, documentation, and required paperwork.
• Work within client proprietary systems and follow established client processes.
• Provide EDI support and troubleshoot EDI-related issues as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure submissions are completed on time.
• Support Business Managers with information, documentation, reporting, and other administrative requirements.
• Learn client-specific processes and become a reliable resource for both the client and internal team.

Qualifications

Skills & Qualifications

• Microsoft Office

• Strong proficiency in Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

• Comfortable managing high email volume and multiple priorities

• Strong Excel skills for tracking, research, reconciliation, and data management

• Systems & Customer Knowledge

• Knowledge of Kroger systems, processes, or ways of working strongly preferred

• Experience with DemandTec or customer contract/promotion systems preferred

• Experience working with EDI or electronic order processes preferred

• Ability to learn multiple internal, customer, and client proprietary systems quickly

• Business & Analytical Skills

• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills

• Ability to research an issue, identify the root cause, and determine appropriate next steps

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to recognize discrepancies in pricing, contracts, POs, deductions, or documentation

• Comfortable making decisions and taking appropriate action within defined responsibilities

• Communication & Customer Service

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong customer-service mindset

• Comfortable communicating directly with Kroger, client contacts, and internal teams

• Professional, friendly, approachable, and collaborative

• Able to communicate difficult or complicated issues clearly and professionally

• Physical Requirements 

• Sit for extended periods (typically 6+ hours per day).

• Use a computer, including keyboard and mouse, for prolonged periods.

• Lift and carry light items (e.g., files, office supplies, laptops, typically 20+ pounds).

• Reach, bend, or stoop occasionally to access files or office materials.

• Maintain focus and attention for long periods of desk-based work.

• Follow clear directions.

• Perform repetitive motions (e.g., typing, clicking) consistently throughout the day.

We value innovative thinking and encourage you to contribute your unique perspective to drive business success. With a strong focus on professional development, the opportunity to advance your skills and career are supported. We are committed to fostering your growth and celebrating your successes.

#DiscoverYourPath

Acosta is a part of Acosta Group – a collective of the industry’s most trusted retail, marketing and foodservice agencies reimagining the way people connect with brands at every point in their shopping journey. Specializing in retail sales services, digital strategy, and business intelligence, Acosta empowers brands to thrive in the world of omnichannel shopping. Our sales and digital teams build lasting relationships, ensuring our client brands get the space they deserve in stores and outperform the competition online, while our merch reps make brands shine in retail locations across the world. But it’s not just about what we do – it’s about who we are. With a team of over 20,000 associates, we’re a community of forward-thinking, value-driven professionals committed to an unmatched level of trust and transparency in the industry. And, we understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why many of our field roles provide our associates with flexible scheduling options. Join us and be a part of a team that values growth and making a real impact for our clients, retail partners and their customers. Acosta Group is an equal opportunity employer and will ensure that applicants with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact AskHR@acosta.com. Be sure to include "Applicant Accommodation" in the subject of your email to expedite the request. Acosta Group believes in good faith that the minimum and maximum annual salary or hourly compensation range for this opportunity is accurate and reasonable at the time of posting. The Acosta Group utilizes E-Verify for validating the ability to work in the United States for all job candidates. If you want more information on what this entails and your rights as a job applicant, please use the link provided to access information on our use of E-Verify and your right to work. Employer Resources (e-verify.gov) By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use. #DiscoverYourPath