Senior Procurement Category Management Specialist – Packaging

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Connecticut, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Spearhead the procurement strategy for essential packaging categories that support Nestlé Health Science U.S.

• Oversee a packaging spending portfolio ranging from approximately $50M to $70M.

• Formulate and implement category strategies along with annual sourcing plans.

• Create and manage a continuous improvement pipeline to achieve year-over-year productivity gains.

• Collaborate with Finance to track savings effectively.

• Perform market research and sustain category strategies aligned with market conditions.

• Enhance sourcing, supplier selection, pricing, contracting, and commercialization processes.

• Negotiate and execute supplier agreements to maximize overall value.

• Supervise supplier performance and devise improvement plans.

• Ensure proactive risk management and collaborate with supply planning to address supply issues.

• Engage with commercial teams concerning business and brand requirements, industry trends, and opportunities.

• Assist in launching new products, technologies, and initiatives.

• Utilize supplier partners to obtain unique ingredients and technology.

• Contribute to transformation projects, including network optimization and complexity reduction.

• Maintain precise procurement data within ERP systems.

• Oversee the monthly price forecast review process.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree is preferred in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or a related discipline.

• Relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.

• Preferred 5+ years of experience in packaging categories such as corrugate, folding cartons, labels, flexible packaging, rigid containers, closures, and associated materials.

• Strong background in procurement of packaging materials, ideally within food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, consumer goods, or similar manufacturing sectors.

• Comprehensive experience in Procurement supporting manufacturing, commercial, and corporate functions across various operating models.

• Ability to communicate and work effectively across all organizational levels and functions.

• Several years of escalating responsibility, with experience in both procurement and the relevant subject matter is preferred.

• Capability to excel in ambiguous settings and establish efficient processes and procedures.

• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and resolving complex business challenges.

• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier relationship management.

• Excellent project management and organizational abilities.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including data analysis and process enhancement.

• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all organizational levels.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

• Experience with Oracle ERP systems is preferred.

• Preferred experience in supply chain roles, including planning and logistics.

• Ability to collaborate with technical stakeholders and grasp technical requirements.

• Proven success in a global, matrixed organization.

• Experience in drafting, negotiating, and managing supplier contracts.

• Foundational financial acumen, covering P&L analysis, budgeting, and cash flow management.

• This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

🏝️ Benefits

• Performance-based incentives.

• 401k with company matching.

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.

• Wide range of additional benefits.

• Dynamic career advancement opportunities.

• Extensive development programs.

• Opportunities to learn from skilled colleagues globally.

• Benefits that promote physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.

• Inclusive work environment.

• Reasonable accommodation support during the recruitment process.