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Senior Category Manager - Food Ambient
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Location
3500 S Clark Street
Arlington, VA 22202 USA
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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
- 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
- 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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