Category Manager (Buyer) - Food Assortment

Summary

Lidl US is searching for the next Category Manager (Buyer) to join our Food Assortment Purchasing team! The Category Manager has full ownership of a product range within their given category. This role is responsible for the product quality, costing, and supplier management of their product range.

** Please note: This position requires reporting to our Corporate Headquarters in Arlington, VA, five days a week. **

What You’ll Do

•    Effectively manage projects and project timelines while working independently and collaboratively to achieve short, medium, and long-term departmental visions
•    Evaluate industry best practices and monitor developments and innovations within the retail sector particular to their business that may be beneficial to the daily operations of the organization
•    Analyze and evaluate projects and develop ideas and/or practical solutions for streamlining business processes
•    Lead and coordinate purchasing projects and negotiations
•    Prepare and negotiate with national suppliers in agreement with the line manager, and where applicable, International Purchasing
•    In collaboration with Purchasing Leadership, set retail pricing strategy for all items negotiated
•    Build promotional activity programs with suppliers for weekly leaflet promotions 
•    Preparing all documents required for supplier contracts, item set up, and master data maintenance
•    Full ownership of given product range including developing category strategy, supplier management, product development, negotiation, and category management
•    Analyze trends in the market with a view to create strong commercial opportunities
•    Prepare portfolio reports and propose cost saving initiatives for your product range
•    Manage commercial data such as turnover, margin, and investment in price reductions
•    Conduct annual assortment analyses reviewing the market and aligning on key categorical changes (WGA) while leveraging Category Management and relevant industry data
•    Identify, test, and recommend new products in coordination with Purchasing Leadership
•    Ensure constant communication and consultation with suppliers
•    Ensure constant communication with International Office, Supply Chain, and Logistics teams to resolve problems
•    Approve supplier contracts
•    Train or guide the work of other team members on occasion
•    Perform other duties as assigned

What You’ll Need

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•    Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
•    Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
•    Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
•    Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
•    Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software
•    Advanced knowledge in category management and/or product development
•    Ability to effectively manage negotiations and conduct category management

Required Education, Certifications/ Licenses, Related Experience 
•    Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising or related field 
•    3-5 years of experience in a related field in Purchasing/Category management, and/or Produce
•    In lieu of degree, 5+ years of experience in related field will meet the education and related experience requirements listed above

Physical Job Requirements 
•    Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
•    Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

Travel Requirements
• This position commutes between stores, regional offices and/or distribution centers requiring overnight domestic travel less than 25% of the time

What You’ll Receive

At Lidl, we know that in order for our people to do their best, they must be at their best. That’s why as a company, we offer one of the most generous benefits packages in the industry.

All our Lidl employees are eligible to receive the following benefits:

• Medical | Dental | Vision coverage
• Paid Holiday & Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401k Plan (+ 5% company match and 2 year vesting schedule)
• And so much more, visit our benefits page for more details and the latest updates

In addition to the great benefits above, our Full-Time employees receive these additional benefits: Group Term Life& AD&D Insurance, Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance, Voluntary Critical Illness and/or Accident Insurance, Parental Leave – 100% pay for birth mothers and non-birth parents, Additional Paid Time-Off & Sick Time.

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