About the position

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. As part of the ALDI National Buying team, your focus will be putting great products in our stores that closely align with customer preferences. While working directly with suppliers, you’ll focus on merchandising and pricing as well as corporate responsibility when it comes to our materials. You’ll also focus on developing a wide range of products that meet or exceed our quality standards. If you’re looking to grow your skills and your career, choose more with ALDI. We're looking for a motivated, results-driven Associate Buyer to join our growing ALDI National Buying team. In this role, you'll work closely with suppliers and support the Buying Director. You'll need exceptional time management and organizational skills, the ability to think critically, and be able to manage multiple projects in our fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Director Buying to oversee the product life cycle of a sub-group of products.
• Requests, organizes, and manages product samples from suppliers.
• Understands commodities and provides recommendations to direct leader based on market knowledge.
• Manages multiple projects at once by prioritizing, setting deadlines and coordinating the flow of information internally and externally.
• Strategizes effectively to solve problems with vendors and product issues.
• Utilizes various computer applications for database management, report generation and tracking spreadsheets.
• Serves as the primary liaison between internal and external parties in coordination with direct leader.
• Provides training to new staff and contributes to committee or teamwork.
• Provides recommendations for changes or improvements on operating or training procedures and seeks further training on areas if needed.
• Performs administrative and clerical duties such as answering phones, preparing documents, maintaining calendar meetings/appointments, upholding files, and processing paperwork.
• Collaborates with team members and communicates relevant information to direct leader.
• Upholds the security and confidentiality of documents and data within area of responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Consistently demonstrates the Mindsets, ALDI Acts Competencies and Professional Skills (M.A.P.) as outlined for the role.
• Gives attention to detail and follows instruction.
• Ability to stay organized and multi-task efficiently.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Establishes goals and works toward achievement.
• Effective time management; maximizes productivity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Projects a positive image of the business.
• Understands, recognizes and effectively manages challenges by proactively working to decrease their impact and frequency of occurring.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external parties.
• Associate Degree in Business or a related field required.
• A minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience required.
• Or, a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.