Lidl US is searching for the next Category Planner for the Meat, Poultry, and Fish buying team! The role is responsible for the profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for assigned commodities as well as forecasting demand, product replenishment, timely follow-through with supplier service level issues, and the entire lifecycle from product receipt at the distribution centers to store receipt for assigned commodities. Additionally, the Category Planner will assist in the development and category management of the items within their assigned commodities.
** This positions reports to our Headquarters in Arlington, VA on a hybrid 3-day schedule **
What You’ll DoEssential Functions
• Oversees and manages assigned project and/or departments data, ensuring it meets predetermined contractual or policy requirements
• Conduct data entry and data management for various department projects
• Assist with the development of training materials such as manuals, handbooks, presentations, diagrams, workflows, and project plans
• Forecast and purchase fresh protein commodities daily sustaining proper inventory levels aligned with demand, while adhering to company dwell time expectations and quality standards
• Manage assigned commodities’ service levels and inventory write-off
• Review and analyze inventory levels daily to evaluate service levels and inventory turns, adjusting purchase orders as needed to meet store demands
• Participate in weekly promo forecasting meetings with recommendations for quantities needed based on analytical data, trends, and other pertinent information
• Make product addition and subtraction recommendations within the assortment based on item Key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Manage the new item setup process through the initiation of a new item form and vendor setup, ensuring speed to market
• Analyze and evaluate projects and develop innovative ideas and/or practical solutions for streamlining business processes
• Collaborate with category management to build a promotional calendar for managed commodities
• Report weekly and period buying KPIs for owned categories to leadership
• Maintain strong follow-up and documentation on quality issues to mitigate and/or eliminate write-offs
• Collaborate with supply chain partners in planning product promo forecasting, product allocations, and other product supply concerns, when applicable
• Communicate challenges or opportunities with the appropriate Supply Chain teams
• 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 work independently
• 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, or a related field
• 1-3 years of experience in a related field
• In lieu of degree, 5+ years of experience in a 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
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 | Dental | Vision coveragePaid Holiday & Paid Time Off (PTO)401k Plan (+ 5% company match and 2 year vesting schedule)And so much more, visit our benefits page for more details and the latest updates
In addition to the great benefits above, our Full-Time employees receive these additional benefits: Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance, Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance, Voluntary Critical Illness and/or Accident Insurance, Parental Leave – 100% pay for birth mothers and non-birth parents, Additional Paid Time-Off & Sick Time.
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