Senior Category Manager - Food Ambient

Senior Category Manager - Food Ambient Location HQ 3500 S Clark Street Arlington, VA 22202 USA Employment Type Full-Time Experience Level Experienced Employment Area Purchasing Reference number 625101 Target Start Date 01/19/2026 Summary 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. ** What You’ll Do Essential Functions • 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 to 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 What You’ll Need Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities • 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 Required Education, Certifications/ Licenses, Related Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising or related field • 4-6 years of experience in a related field • In lieu of degree, 6+ years of experience in 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 Travel Requirements • 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 What You’ll Receive 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 • DailyPay, 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.