Senior Procurement Category Management Specialist - Packaging (Remote)

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA • Town of Islip, NY

5d • $85,000 - $95,000 • Remote

About The Position

Lead procurement strategy for key packaging categories supporting Nestlé Health Science U.S., managing a portfolio of approximately $50 million to $70 million in spend. Develop and execute category strategies, negotiate supplier agreements, and build partnerships with internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive cost savings, innovation, quality, service, and supply continuity. The role calls for deep packaging expertise in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, or chemical industries, together with sourcing, supplier management, and contract negotiation experience.

The position is primarily remote. Candidates in the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut) are strongly preferred to support in-person training, meetings, and other business needs. The position reports to Holistic Health.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field; relevant professional experience may be considered instead of a degree.
• Strong experience procuring packaging materials, preferably in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, consumer goods, or related manufacturing industries.
• Broad procurement background supporting manufacturing, commercial, or corporate functions in varied operating models.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively across all organizational levels and functions.
• Highly self-motivated and able to thrive in ambiguous environments and establish effective processes and procedures.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and resolve complex business challenges.
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier relationship management.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including data analysis and process improvement.
• Customer-focused mindset and ability to influence and collaborate across organizational levels.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to partner effectively with technical stakeholders and understand technical requirements.
• Demonstrated success working in a global, matrixed organization.
• Experience drafting, negotiating, and managing supplier contracts.
• Foundational financial acumen, including P&L analysis, budgeting, and cash flow management.

Nice To Haves

• At least 5 years of knowledge of packaging categories such as corrugate, folding cartons, labels, flexible packaging, rigid containers, closures, and related materials.
• Multiple years of increasing responsibility and experience in both procurement and the relevant subject matter area.
• Experience with Oracle ERP systems.
• Supply chain experience, including planning and logistics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term category strategies and annual sourcing plans for multiple procurement spend categories for Nestlé Health Science U.S.
• Develop and manage a continuous improvement pipeline to deliver year-over-year productivity, and track savings in partnership with Finance.
• Conduct market research, develop category strategies, monitor market conditions, and flex resources and external capacity as business needs change.
• Optimize sourcing, supplier selection, pricing, contracting, and commercialization while meeting quality and service-level requirements.
• Negotiate and implement supplier agreements to deliver overall value; monitor supplier performance and develop improvement plans as needed.
• Develop proactive risk management strategies and partner with the supply planning team to resolve supply issues promptly.
• Liaise with commercial teams to maintain dialogue and understand business and brand needs, industry trends, and opportunities.
• Support launches of new products, technologies, and initiatives, leveraging supplier partnerships to secure differentiated ingredients and technology.
• Support transformation projects, including network optimization and complexity reduction.
• Maintain accurate and timely procurement data in the ERP system.
• Manage the monthly price forecast review process.

Benefits

• Performance-based incentives.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Healthcare coverage.
• A broad range of other benefits supporting physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.

What This Job Offers

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