Category Manager - Produce

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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.

Note:

This position requires reporting to our Corporate Headquarters in Arlington, VA, 5 days a week.

• 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
• Personnel responsibility – line manage one Demand Planner to optimize fulfillment of the 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

• 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

• 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