Nathan Wolejsza

Experience

• 

  Kroger

  Aug 2007 - Apr 2018

  Actively managed pricing, sales planning, in store display plans, keg selection for growler bars, and Local/Regional assortment for Beer in the Cincinnati and Nashville divisions. Aligned assortment with the rapidly growing and very popular local craft breweries resulting in gross profit dollar growth that outpaced gross sales gains. Gained an understanding of the importance and significance of Local by partnering with local breweries including Rhinegeist, MadTree, Braxton, Yazoo, and Sawworks on many projects including collaborations, limited releases, tap takeovers, and store events. Show less Managed all cat food commodities at the Corporate level with responsibilities for assortment, pricing, sales planning, and displays. Recognized a significant opportunity for a size-able offering of Ultra-Premium Pet Food (Pet Specialty) and partnered with several specialty brands, industry experts, and the Kroger Corporate Brands team to launch what has turned out to be the fastest growing and most profitable segment. Launched Abound (Corporate Brand) within the Ultra-Premium segment which quickly became a very successful Kroger private label offering and is now the top selling brand within the Ultra-Premium segment. Show less

  • Senior Category Manager - Coffee

    Jan 2018 - Apr 2018

  • Senior Category Manager – Natural Foods

    Jan 2016 - Jan 2018

  • Corporate Category Manager – Adult Beverage

    Mar 2014 - Jan 2016

  • Corporate Category Manager – Pet Food

    Sept 2012 - Mar 2014

  • Corporate Category Manager – International/Specialty Foods

    Jan 2012 - Sept 2012

  • Corporate Buyer – Replenishment & Procurement

    Aug 2007 - Jan 2012
• 

  Lowe's Companies, Inc.

  Apr 2018 - now

  Responsible for collaboratively working with core Merchants to develop and leverage key Private Brand programs from globally sourced vendor partners to drive Private Brand growth and innovation.Responsible for leading a cross-functional team of internal and external partners through complex product development projects including: merchandising, trend, design, marketing, branding, logistics, Lowe's Global Sourcing, QA, legal, packaging, and international & domestic Private Brand vendors. Collaboratively worked with Lowe’s Merchandising team to determine near and long term growth plans for the business with an emphasis on international business partners, country of production, and Direct Importing opportunities.

  • Product Development Merchant

    Mar 2019 - now

  • International Merchandising Manager

    Apr 2018 - Mar 2019