Category Manager (General Merchandise)

National Buying Services is the department dedicated to acquiring the goods that our ALDI customers count on. Beyond working to secure quality products at the lowest possible prices through our Buying and support teams (Administration, Merchandising, Pricing, Quality Assurance, Analytics and more), our teams ensure we are providing the best value and quality in everything we do.In this role you will be responsible for category management of a general merchandise category assigned to you. You will work closely with external suppliers and manufactures to develop private label products for your category range. You will negotiate costs, agree on product design and specifications as well as packaging design. You will work with internal ALDI departments including Marketing, Logistics and QA, and you will collaborate with ALDI buying teams based in Europe and Asia. You will be responsible for leading and developing a team of 3-4 Associate Buyers. The ideal candidate will be an owner of the category assigned to them and will present all category details to leadership. With ALDI, you will be joining a stable growing company, developing Non-Food private label products within our National Buying Department. We are seeking someone that has a strong organizational work ethic, attention to detail, and who has experience in category management, supply chain, and retail operations.Position Type: Full-TimeWork Location: Batavia, ILThis role is eligible to participate in ALDI’s Hybrid Work Program, which allows remote work up to 2 days per week (i.e., work remotely up to 2 days per week; work in-office at least 3 days per week)Duties and Responsibilities:Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation. Supports leadership with the selection, assortment and variety of promotional items. Assists their direct leader with decisions regarding the design and packaging of product and cases in accordance with the agreed benchmarks and policies. Endorses the text/copy for advertised products and recommends the text for price cards. Assures the training, development, and performance of their team’s staff to retain a motivated, professional workforce that achieves their career objectives. Recruits and recommends qualified employees for their team’s staff positions. Approves all time-off requests for direct reports. Establishes and communicates job responsibilities and performance expectations to their team to assure mutual understanding of desired results; evaluates performance and achievement of expectations and desired results; resolves internal or external barriers that prohibit successful goal achievement. Understands the overarching company strategy, as well as communicates and models the core values, of the organization to create a sense of teamwork and membership among employees. Prepares reports showing the deliverables and concrete results of projects to communicate to leadership. Prepares and conducts presentations to communicate results, strategy and requested updates to the business. Consults their direct leader in personnel matters concerning direct reports. Makes recommendations and negotiates on costs with suppliers to achieve the best price for the agreed quality. Presents to their direct leader proposals on buying costs on all items, the listing and delisting of suppliers, and contract quantities and duration. Liaises with international buying operations as appropriate in order to make comparisons on costs and product options. Recommends price changes, delisting of products, and ranges/trials, which optimize sales growth and profitability to their direct leader. Proposes Emergency Product Withdrawals to leadership. Consults with leadership on the development of their team's strategy. Advises leadership to source external vendors for applicable services when appropriate. Liaises with regions to ensure timely and efficient communication flow. Consults with the business to effectively design and streamline applicable processes within the organization. Keeps up-to-date on external best practices and relevant changes to their field/area; communicates updates to leadership. Ensures quality of product meets or exceeds quality of benchmark. Carries out marketplace, competitor, price research, and makes recommendations based on findings. Ensures adherence to all legal requirements in their area of responsibility. Arranges and participates in sampling sessions. Ensures that records via central buying information systems (CBIS) are up-to-date and accurate at all times. Carries out year-end tasks. Prepares their direct leader for and participates in National and Specialist Committees as required to establish best practice and business consistency. Oversees management and strategy of each promotion. Resolves customer complaints sent to the department. Manages their team by driving projects and tasks to completion through effective prioritization, work planning, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration. Identifies cost-saving opportunities and potential process improvements. Serves as the primary link between their team’s staff and leadership to assure understanding of company goals, objectives, and opportunities for improvement. Other duties as assigned.Job Qualifications:ALDI Acts Competencies:Perform within ALDI Acts competencies as outlined below. Managing Self: Seeking feedback, reflecting upon personal behaviors and looking for growth opportunities. Displaying composure, resilience and a positive approach to work. Communicating with Impact: Communicating clearly and effectively in written, non-verbal and verbal communication to inform, inspire, motivate and influence. Appreciating the importance of listening, empathy and respect. Cooperating with Others: Creating and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Actively consulting, managing conflict and appreciating alternative perspectives and cultures. Leading People: Fostering a cooperative leadership style that empowers and motivates. Providing clear expectations and direction. Developing people in their roles and supporting future growth. Driving Decisions and Results: Showing ownership by making informed decisions, executing efficiently and taking responsibility for results. Pursuing goals and taking initiative. Using market awareness to better meet the customers' needs (internal and external). Managing Change: Demonstrating flexibility and embracing changes to adapt to shifting business needs and emerging technologies. Identifying opportunities for business improvements. Effectively implementing changes in alignment with business goals.Job-specific Competencies:Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Ability to recommend, interpret, and/or apply company policies and procedures. Gives attention to detail and follows instruction. Ability to develop rapport, trust, and open communication that enhances the growth and job performance of direct reports. Understands the history, strategy, organizational authority, interdependence of job duties, products, systems, and services of the company. Conflict management skills. Strong track record of leading, mentoring, and developing a team to ensure an efficient and co-operative working environment. Thinks critically and analytically. Ability to stay organized and multi-task in a professional and efficient manner. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment, consistently meeting deadlines and remaining calm under pressure.Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Business or a related field required. A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in category management, supply chain, and retail operations required. Or, a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.Physical Requirements: Work may be performed in an office, remote office or a combination of both where a computer and office equipment may be used as needed to perform duties. Regularly required to sit, reach, grasp, stand and move from one area to another. Constantly and repeatedly use keyboard/mouse. Occasionally required to push, pull, bend, lift and move up to 25 lbs.Travel: International & Domestic travel required. Up to 10%.ALDI offers competitive wages and benefits, including:

401(k) Plan

Company 401(k) Matching Contributions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

PerkSpot National Discount Program

In addition, eligible employees are offered:

Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Insurance

Generous Vacation Time & 7 Paid Holidays

Up to 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave at 100% of pay

Up to 2 Weeks Paid Caregiver Leave at 100% of pay

Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Life, Dependent Life and AD&D Insurance

Voluntary Term Life Insurance

Click here to learn more about the benefits ALDI has to offer (https://careers.aldi.us/benefits)ALDI is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. As a proud Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), we do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), or any other protected characteristic. Employment may be contingent upon ALDI's receipt of an acceptable and job-related drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.