Procurement Category Management Manager (Remote)

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA•Bridgewater Township, NJ

3d•$117,341 - $153,349•Remote

About The Position

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence business performance through supplier strategy, sourcing optimization, commercial negotiations, contract management, innovation, and risk mitigation. You will help shape the supply base that supports some of the most innovative nutrition brands and products in the industry. We are seeking a leader with a strong combination of strategic thinking, agility, business acumen, and collaboration skills. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, embrace complexity, challenge the status quo, and are motivated by creating sustainable value for the business. The scope of this role is significant. Together with your team, you will oversee approximately $180 million in spend across a highly diverse portfolio of materials and suppliers. The breadth and complexity of the categories provide outstanding opportunities for strategic impact, supplier collaboration, value creation, and professional growth. This position is remote. Preference will be given to candidates who reside within the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut), Arlington, VA & Solon, OH. This position will report to Nestle/Nutrition & Health.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred; equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
7+ years' experience in Procurement, Category Management, or related function.
Experience interfacing with manufacturing, commercial, and corporate functions, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
Proven experience developing and executing strategies and delivering innovative business solutions that drive results.
Strong category expertise in direct raw materials ideally within the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, nutraceutical, or consumer health industries.
Proven strategic mindset and agility to thrive in fast-changing, ambiguous environments where you can act as a catalyst for transformation and continuous improvement.
Familiarity leveraging AI based platforms and tools.
Highly self-motivated with the ability to work within ambiguity
Great leadership – building trust, emotional intelligence, visionary
Ability to lead x-functional teams to resolve complex problems - creativity
High learning agility, critical thinking and strong business acumen
Excellent project management skills
Proven analytical skills (e.g. data analysis, business processes)
Customer-service orientation
Strong storytelling skills

Nice To Haves

MBA desirable but not required.
Broad supply chain experience such as planning and logistics
Possess some level of technical expertise and can work effectively with Tech service and R&D stakeholders
Ability to adapt to Matrix organization
Possess foundational finance knowledge such as P&L analysis, budgeting, cash flow, etc.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement long-term Category Sourcing Strategies including activities to minimize risk, financial exposure and sourcing flexibility to accommodate business’ needs. Optimize sourcing, supplier selection, pricing and ensuring most beneficial commercial agreements.
Develop continuous improvement project pipeline to deliver significant year over year productivity. Ensure savings tracking in partnership with Finance.
Manage supplier performance, lead regular supplier performance review with other functional partners. Develop improvement plans as required.
Create sustainable sourcing activities such as greenhouse gas reduction and full traceability in upstream supply chain.
Support new product or new technology launches as applicable. Leverage supplier partnership in securing innovative ingredients and technologies.
Support processes (such as tail spend management) with digital, automated, and/or AI platforms.
Manage budget and monthly price forecast review process through relevant tools, cost modeling, and market knowledge.