Merchandising Assistant

ALDI USA; Naperville (IL); Hybrid; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company is seeking a Full-Time position in Naperville, IL, focused on developing and maintaining store layouts. The role requires attention to detail, ability to work independently, and strong communication skills. Candidates must possess an Associate's Degree in a relevant field and have relevant experience, ideally with AutoCAD and SmartSpace expertise. ALDI offers competitive wages, benefits, and the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

401(k) Plan

Company 401(k) Matching Contributions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Generous Vacation Time

Paid Parental Leave

Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Life, Dependent Life, and AD&D Insurance

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience required.
• Combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Prior experience in AutoCAD and SmartSpace preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains accurate store set databases and layouts.
• Coordinates store layout updates based on company initiatives.
• Liaises with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficiency.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Ability to prioritize

Ability to work independently

Knowledge of merchandising practices

Education

Associate's Degree in Merchandising

Associate's Degree in Architectural Interior Design

Tools

AutoCAD

SmartSpace

Job description

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, Pricing, Merchandising, Quality Assurance and more), our teams ensure we are providing the best value and quality in everything we do.

Position Type: Full-Time
Starting Wage: $27.75 per hour
Wage Increases: Year 2 - $28.75 | Year 3 - $29.75 | Year 4 - $30.75
Temporary Work Location: Naperville, IL
Future Work Location: Batavia, IL (anticipated October 2025)
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.

• Liaises with external service providers as required and directed by their direct leader.
• Liaises with internal stakeholders including National Buying Services teams as directed by their direct leader.
• Ensures that all store layouts follow established merchandising principles.
• Develops, builds, and maintains accurate store set databases ensuring all layouts, templates and tiering are up to date and live in the database at all times.
• Develops, builds, and maintains store layouts utilizing the SmartSpace software in line with business deadlines.
• Ensures all store layouts are updated based on company initiatives and deadlines throughout the year.
• Develops and maintains an extended knowledge of the greater National Buying Services and Operations Department to maximize efficiency in store layout development.
• Coordinates with divisions to ensure store layouts are kept up-to-date and accurate.
• Coordinates annual store layouts audits with divisions and ensuring that established store layout adjustments processes are followed.
• Takes ownership of store layout files and ensures relevant timelines are adhered to.
• Actively manages their area of responsibility by taking initiative, suggesting ways of improving systems for greater efficiency and not back-delegating.
• Provides general secretarial service to their direct leader, including word processing and common software applications.
• Maintains their direct leader s diary and is aware of their movements.
• Provides cover within team, where necessary.
• Performs all assigned tasks accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality and privacy of employee and company sensitive data.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job-specific Competencies:
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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and work under strict deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to stay organized and multi-task efficiently.
• Ability to interpret and apply company policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of merchandising practices.

Education and Experience:

• Associate's Degree in Merchandising, Business or a related field required.
• Associate's Degree in Architectural Interior Design preferred.
• A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience required.
• Or, a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.
• Experience in AutoCAD and/or SmartSpace preferred.

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.
• Frequently sitting, walking, bending/squatting/grasping, reaching below waist, above shoulder, and horizontally, as well as lifting of items up to 5 lbs.
• Constantly and repeatedly use keyboard/mouse.
• Occasionally required to push, pull, bend, lift and move up to 25 lbs.
• 10-20% of work is performed in a store staging environment at the ALDI Insight Center or store as required which includes:
o Occasionally lifting items 6 to 10 lbs.
o Infrequently lifting items 11 to 50 lbs.
*Note: amount of time at ALDI Insight Center (AIC) is dependent on time of year.

Travel:

• Local 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

Click here to learn more about the benefits ALDI has to offer

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.