Junior Buyer - Non Food

Lidl US • Arlington, MA

3d • $90,000 - $100,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Lidl US is seeking a Junior Buyer (internally titled Assistant Category Manager) to join its Non-Food Buying team. This is a fast-paced role supporting buying and product development alongside Senior Category Managers, with opportunities to learn and contribute to negotiations, analysis, and innovation. The position supports national and international projects and works with domestic and international suppliers to develop products and assortments, assess quality, and make informed buying decisions.

Requirements

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and follow through effectively.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, or related software.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Retail, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field, or 4+ years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
• 0–2 years of experience in a related field.

Nice To Haves

• 1–6 months of purchasing experience in a grocery retail setting.
• Fluency in written and spoken German.
• Experience negotiating supplier agreements, pricing, and commercial terms.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, including performance, quality, and delivery expectations.
• Experience developing and optimizing non-food and/or near-food assortments through market analysis, product selection, and performance review.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects, work processes, systems, and procedures to ensure efficient workflow.
• Update guidelines, standard operating procedures, and instructional materials.
• Identify, develop, and propose business and process improvement opportunities.
• Support national and international projects by producing business requirements, performing business system tests, and contributing to technical improvements.
• Analyze KPIs with Category Managers and Senior Category Managers to inform buying decisions.
• Support national and international product development, define quality requirements, shape business requirements, and test technical improvements.
• Prepare and collect information required to process purchase agreements and contracts.
• Support negotiations and coordinate with domestic and international suppliers.
• Prepare category, quality-control, and trend analyses.
• Analyze retail prices and the competitive landscape.
• Lead product testing and quality assurance for negotiated items.
• Complete a personalized Individual Development Plan.
• Coordinate across teams, meet deadlines, and manage relationships with domestic suppliers and international business partners.
• Monitor the efficient use of team financial and material resources, apply cost-reduction initiatives, and identify local optimization opportunities.

Benefits

• 10% employee-only discount on purchases made at Lidl stores.
• Medical and prescription coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid time off for sickness or vacation.
• Dedicated training plans.
• 401(k) plan with a 5% company match.
• Voluntary term life and AD&D insurance.
• Total Well-Being Program.
• DailyPay, a voluntary benefit providing access to pay on the employee’s schedule.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level