Sampling Kitchen Assistant - Administrative - Aldi Inc

Our Sampling Kitchen is where we carefully test our food products to bring customers the high-quality ALDI-exclusive brands and flavors they love. Supporting our buying team with food preparation, and setting up daily sampling sessions for the purpose of sensory evaluations. The best part? You'll pursue your passion for food with the support of a stable, growing company.

In this role, the Sampling Kitchen Assistant will be responsible for providing administrative support throughout the product sampling process. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Microsoft excel and other office applications as well as strong problem solving and critical thinking skills. The objective of this role is to support the QA Test Kitchen and National Services by managing sensory evaluation data, various reports and sample procurement.

Position Type: Full-Time
Starting Wage: $21.50 per hour
Work Location: Batavia, IL
This role is eligible to participate in ALDI’s Hybrid Work Program, which allows remote work up to 2 days per week (i.e., work remotely up to 2 days per week; work in-office at least 3 days per week).

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

• Consults with Quality Assurance and the Buying department to coordinate tracking lists and schedules in order to support the timely evaluation of product samples.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of quality evaluation processes and projects.
• Acts as a liaison for third party shipping contacts and the Buying Team, in order to coordinate the on-time delivery of product samples for sampling and Quality Assurance purposes.
• Assists the Kitchen team with the organization of product samples.
• Supports the recipe development process through idea generation, editing and styling.
• Supports Public Relations initiatives and provides administrative and operational support at events hosted on-site.
• Maintains the high standards of hygiene, safety, cleanliness and sanitation in the sampling and kitchen areas. 
• Ensures all product samples are handled and stored in a safe, organized manner.
• Provides general administration, word processing, data entry and organizational support.
• Serves as a liaison for and supports the delivery of QA Kitchen reporting systems, including but not limited to tracking expenses, sampling results and product photos.
• Reconciles credit card receipts on a monthly basis.
• Provides training to new personnel and contributes to committee or teamwork.
• 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.

Job Qualifications:
ALDI Acts Competencies:
Perform within ALDI Acts competencies as outlined below.

• Collaborates and Cooperates with Team: Commits to and supports a collaborative and high-performing working environment with peers and management.
• Drives for Success: Seizes opportunities and proactively takes concrete actions to complete tasks. Goes the “extra mile” and persistently overcomes obstacles to improve outputs.
• Focuses on the Customer: Seeks to understand underlying customer needs to create value. Drives the team to maintain focus on customers.
• Manages and Supports Projects: Effectively plans, executes and supports project needs to support management and the larger ALDI business.
• Organizes and Executes with Accuracy: Leverages a systematic, efficient and organized approach while ensuring quality and accuracy of results.
• Thinks critically and Resolves Problems: Responds to emerging problems in an accurate and timely manner. Where possible, leverages available resources to address situations before they occur.

Job-specific Competencies:
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• 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.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external parties.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Prepares written materials to meet purpose and audience.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment, consistently meeting deadlines and remaining calm under pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• ServSafe Food Handler Training for food service and sanitation will be completed within 30 days of hire. The certificate must be renewed and maintained according to Illinois Department of Health guidelines.

Education and Experience:

• Associates Degree in Business Administration or a related field required.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience required.
• Or, a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in both a kitchen and office environment where kitchen equipment, 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:

• 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.