Senior Category Manager - Food Ambient

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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.

• 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 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

• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising or related field
• 4‑6 years of experience in a related field
• In lieu of a degree, 6+ years of experience in related field will meet the education and related experience requirements listed above

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

• 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

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

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Marketing and Sales

Retail