Associate Buyer - Aldi Inc

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.

Position Type: Full-Time
Starting Wage: $28.75 per hour
Work Location: Batavia, IL (Temporary work locations Aurora, and Naperville, IL)
This role is eligible to participate in ALDI’s Hybrid  Work Program, which allows remote work up to 3 days per week (i.e., work remotely up to 3 days per week; work in-office at least 2 days per week)

Duties and Responsibilities:
Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Support the Buying Director to oversee the product life cycle of a sub-group of products.
• Request, organize and manage product samples from suppliers.
• Understand commodities and provide recommendations to direct leader based on market knowledge.
• Manage multiple projects at once by prioritizing, setting deadlines, and coordinating the flow of information internally and externally.
• Strategize effectively to solve problems with vendors and product issues.
• Utilize various computer applications for database management, report generation and tracking spreadsheets.
• Serve as the primary liaison between internal and external parties in coordination with direct leader.
• Provide training to new staff and contributes to committee or teamwork.
• Provide recommendations for changes or improvements on operating or training procedures and seeks further training on areas if needed.
• Collaborate with team members and communicate relevant information to direct leader.
• Perform administrative and clerical duties such as answering phones, preparing documents, maintaining calendar meetings/appointments, upholding files and processing paperwork.
• Uphold the security and confidentiality of documents and data.

Job-specific Competencies:
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Consistently demonstrates the Mindsets, ALDI Acts Competencies and Professional Skills (M.A.P.) as outlined for the role.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow instruction.
• Ability to stay organized and multi-task efficiently.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Establish goals and work toward achievement.
• Effective time management; maximize productivity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Project a positive image of the business.
• Understand, recognize and effectively manage challenges by proactively working to decrease their impact and frequency of occurring.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. 

Education and Experience:

• 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.

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:

• Minimal travel required as needed for job related duties such as training, project work and administrative tasks.

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

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.