Senior Category Manager - Food Ambient

Summary

Lidl US is searching for the next Senior Category Manager to join our Food Ambient Buying team! The Senior Category Manager is a category management and purchasing expert who plays a key leadership role in the business. They demonstrate exceptional business development aptitude and have had proven successes in their decision-making ability. This role serves as a mentor within the department and assists in overseeing the development of the Associate Buyer. The Senior Category Manager has the responsibility of full ownership of their given categories.

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

What You’ll Do

Essential Functions
•    Full ownership of given product range including developing category strategy, supplier management, product development, negotiation, pricing, promotions, and category management
•    Identify and execute strategic projects within given categories to achieve business objectives
•    Implement tactical action plans in support of strategy and aligned with company goals
•    Analyze trends in the market with a view to create strong commercial opportunities, efficiencies, and cost savings
•    Manage commercial data (turnover, margin, investment in price reductions, etc.) to ensure all KPI targets are achieved
•    Conduct annual assortment analyses reviewing the market and aligning on key categorical changes while leveraging Category Management and relevant industry data
•    Optimize merchandising space in store in collaboration with Sales and Merchandising
•    Effectively manage projects and project timelines while working independently and collaboratively to achieve short, medium, and long-term departmental objectives
•    Lead and coordinate purchasing projects and negotiations. Key point of contact for suppliers
•    Support the ongoing training and development of their team by serving as subject matter expert on all department processes, as well developing and managing individual development plans
•    Nurture, train and develop associate buyers to become category managers of the future
•    Be the role model for Lidl values and create a culture of ownership and accountability
•    Regularly visit stores with team members and to evaluate standard operational procedures and merchandising tactics for improvement
•    Ensure constant communication and collaboration with International Office, Supply Chain, Logistics, and all internal and external stakeholders to identify and resolve problems
•    Review Leaflets and all marketing tactics weekly for accuracy and effectiveness

What You’ll Need

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 
•    Expert knowledge in category management, retail financial measurements, negotiations, and product development 
•    Demonstrated leadership abilities with private label product development and national brands within grocery retail
•    Demonstrated leadership ability and a passion for individual and team development
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•    Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
•    Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
•    Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to multitask and meet deadlines
•    Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
•    Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software

Required Education, Certifications/ Licenses, Related Experience 
•    Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising or related field
•    4-6 years of experience in a related field
•    In lieu of degree, 6+ 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 less than 25% of the time
•    This position requires overnight domestic travel less than 25% of the time 
•    This position requires overnight international 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 & Prescription | Dental | Vision coverage
•    Paid Holiday & Paid Time Off (PTO) to use for sickness or vacation
•    Dedicated training plans to ensure you are set up for success
•    401k Plan (+ 5% company match)
•    Voluntary Term Life & AD&D Insurance
•    Total Well-Being Program
•    DailyPay, a voluntary benefit to offer employees access to their pay on their own schedule

Lidl US views our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through a lens of actions that are Good for the Environment, Good for People, and Good for You.
 

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