Category Manager - Produce

Summary

Lidl US is searching for the next Category Manager to join our Produce & Fresh Buying 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, 5 days a week.

Essential Functions

• 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 our 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
• Personnel responsibility – line manage one Demand Planner to optimize fulfillment of category’s in-store demand
• 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

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

• 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

• 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

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

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
• Daily Pay, 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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