Rachael Schmaren
Saint Charles,IL
Summary
Strategic and results-oriented business professional with 10+ years of experience in procurement, buying, and category management within the grocery and distribution industries. Currently serving as an Associate Category Manager at KeHE, utilizing data analysis, supplier partnerships, and market insights to drive category performance and support business growth. Combines strong analytical skills with a collaborative approach to identify growth opportunities and deliver meaningful business results.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Category Manager
KeHE Distributors LLC
Naperville, Illinois
09.2025 - Current
- Support category strategy and business planning initiatives to drive sales growth, profitability, and customer value.
- Analyze category performance, sales trends, and market insights to identify opportunities and develop data-driven recommendations.
- Partner with suppliers to execute assortment, promotional, and growth strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Evaluate industry trends, competitive activity, and customer needs to identify opportunities for innovation and category growth.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Supplier Management teams to execute category initiatives and business plans.
- Monitor key performance indicators and communicate actionable insights to support strategic decision-making.
Associate Buyer
ALDI INC
Batavia, IL
2016 - 2025
- Played a key role in nationwide launch of Aldi's fresh fish category, generating hundreds of millions in sales.
- Assisted buying leadership in managing fish and seafood categories through strategic sourcing and vendor management to optimize category performance.
- Utilized commodity expertise and market analysis to inform pricing and category growth strategies.
- Evaluated supplier performance based on quality, cost, and service metrics to enhance vendor selection.
- Managed cross-functional projects involving supply chain, merchandising, quality assurance, and operations teams.
- Collaborated with supply chain partners to forecast demand and reduce out-of-stock situations.
- Partnered with international teams to ensure regulatory compliance for globally sourced products.
- Developed reports and analyses to enhance visibility into sales trends and product performance.
Video Editor and Production Assistant
WQAD-TV
Moline, IL
2014 - 2015
- Edited video content for daily broadcasts and special programming, enhancing viewer engagement.
- Supported live productions by operating cameras, managing teleprompters, and coordinating studio activities.
- Assisted production teams during breaking news and special events, ensuring timely and accurate coverage.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communications, Broadcast Journalism
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, ILSkills
- Team Leadership
- Project Management
- Problem Solving
- Inventory Management
- Creative Thinking
- Time Management
- Adaptability
- Data Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Conflict Resolution
- Process Improvement
- SAP ERP
- Procurement
- Point of Sale (POS) Systems
Timeline
Associate Category Manager
KeHE Distributors LLC
09.2025 - Current
Associate Buyer
ALDI INC
2016 - 2025
Video Editor and Production Assistant
WQAD-TV
2014 - 2015
Bachelor of Science - Communications, Broadcast Journalism
Northern Illinois University