Project Manager- Buying, Value Chain Optimization - Aldi Inc

The Value Chain Optimization (VCO) team is dedicated to maximizing value within the products sourced by our Buying Teams while enhancing strategic supplier relationships. In this role the VCO Project Manager will liaise directly with suppliers and internal stakeholders to investigate and analyze opportunities which contribute to reducing cost of goods sold, improving security of supply, reducing risk and driving the quality and sustainability of our products.  To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate the ability to make data driven decisions, think outside of the box, and successfully organize and drive multiple ongoing projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in project management, with a background in product procurement, supply chain, and/or manufacturing.

Position Type: Full-Time
Work Location: Aurora, 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.

• Leads and manages multiple category projects that deliver value through product and category optimization.
• Develops frameworks, tools and methodologies to support the delivery of opportunities and the upskilling of the National Buying Department.
• Ensures 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 ensure a 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, while communicating and modeling the core values of the organization to create a sense of teamwork and membership among employees.
• Collaborates with various stakeholders to understand and resolve complex category challenges.
• Ensures all organizational stakeholders are duly involved in the setting of objectives and targets for their projects.
• Assists the Director Value Chain Optimization with the analysis, proposals, and coordination of projects linked to Value Chain Optimization across the National Buying Department.
• Presents recommendations and measured outcomes to senior management.
• Liaises with International Departments as appropriate, in order to draw comparisons on costs and product options.
• Maintains relationship with global colleagues to ensure timely and efficient information sharing.
• 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.
• Leads project sprints from business case development to value realization in a timely and structured manner.
• Ensures all timelines and expectations related to assigned projects are met.
• Carries out marketplace, competitor and price research.
• Carries out visits to suppliers and trade fairs, as authorized by the Director Value Chain Optimization.
• Utilizes various data sources to provide analysis and insights.
• Participates in and prepares the Director Value Chain Optimization for participation in National and Specialist Committees as required to establish best practice and business consistency.
• Shows ownership in the development and facilitation of Value Chain Optimization workshops as required.
• Implements change management initiatives to support strategic optimization outcomes.
• Utilizes commercial levers to identify and unlock opportunities across the end-to-end supply chain.
• Develops strategic partnerships with suppliers through the facilitation of workshops and joint planning to create shared value.
• 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-specific Competencies:
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Consistently demonstrates the ALDI Acts Competencies as outlined for the role.
• Ability to recommend, interpret, and/or apply company policies and procedures.
• Gives attention to detail and is self-motivated.
• 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.
• Strong conflict and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of grocery value chain and operations.
• Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional projects and change management.
• Understands cost/benefit analysis.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external parties.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present to individuals at varying levels, including executive level.
• Negotiations skills.
• Thinks critically and analytically.
• Problem-solving skills.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administrant, Business Management, Economics, Supply Chain Management or a related field required.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Buying, Procurement, Manufacturing, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain Management, Business Process Improvement, Management Consulting and retail operations required.
• Or, a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, value chain mapping and/or should-cost modeling required.
• Understanding of Tableau, Power BI, SQL, Alteryx or other related data analysis and visualization tools preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in an office environment where a computer, telephone and other office equipment are 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

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.