Associate Buyer,

About the role

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. This role offers a unique blend of creativity, problem‑solving, and supplier communication in a fast‑paced environment. The position is based in Batavia, IL and 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).

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

• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 401(k) Plan
• Company 401(k) Matching Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• PerkSpot National Discount Program
• 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
• Full‑time employees average 30 or more hours per week within an annual lookback period
• Benefits offered to full‑time and part‑time employees may vary by state