Senior Procurement Category Management Specialist - Packaging (Remote)

About Us

At Nestlé Health Science, we believe that nutrition, science, and wellness must merge, not collide. We embrace the intrinsic connections of these three pillars, harnessing their collective strength to empower healthier lives. Our broad product portfolio includes renowned brands like Garden of Life®, Nature's Bounty®, Vital Proteins®, Orgain®, Nuun®, BOOST®, Carnation Breakfast Essentials®, Peptamen®, Compleat Organic Blends®, and more. We also offer extensive pharmaceutical expertise, providing innovative medicines that aim to prevent, manage, and treat gastrointestinal and metabolic-related diseases.

We challenge our people to bring fresh, diverse views and make bold moves to empower healthier lives through nutrition. We foster professional growth, celebrate achievements, and offer dynamic career paths, robust development opportunities, and benefits that support physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.

About the Role

Lead the procurement strategy for key packaging categories supporting Nestlé Health Science U.S., managing a portfolio of approximately $50M to $70M in spend. In this highly visible role, you will develop and execute category strategies, negotiate supplier agreements, and build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive cost savings, innovation, quality, service, and supply continuity.

This role is primarily remote; however, candidates located in the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut) are strongly preferred to support in-person trainings, meetings, and other business needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term category strategies and yearly sourcing plans for procurement, targeting 10-15% savings.
• Manage a continuous improvement pipeline to deliver significant year-over-year productivity and ensure savings tracking in partnership with Finance (5-10%).
• Execute market research to inform robust category strategies and maintain an agile mindset to adapt to changing business needs (10-15%).
• Optimize sourcing, supplier selection, pricing, contracting, and commercialization while meeting quality and service level requirements. Negotiate and implement supplier agreements to deliver the greatest overall value (10-15%).
• Monitor supplier performance and develop improvement plans as required.
• Ensure proactive risk management and partner with the supply planning team to resolve supply issues (5-10%).
• Liaise with commercial teams to align business and brand needs with industry trends and opportunities (5-10%).
• Support new product launches, new technology, or initiatives by leveraging supplier partnerships (5-10%).
• Contribute to transformation projects such as network optimization and complexity reduction (5%).
• Maintain timely and accurate procurement data in the ERP system (5%).
• Manage the monthly price forecast review process (5%).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field. Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years of experience in packaging categories, including corrugate, folding cartons, labels, flexible packaging, rigid containers, closures, and related materials.
• Strong experience in packaging materials procurement, preferably within food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, consumer goods, or related manufacturing industries.
• Broad background in procurement supporting manufacturing, commercial, or corporate functions across various operating models.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Multiple years of increasing responsibility in procurement and subject matter expertise.

Skills

• Highly self-motivated with the ability to thrive in ambiguous environments and establish effective processes.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive resolution of complex business challenges.
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier relationship management.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including data analysis and process improvement.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Experience with Oracle ERP systems preferred.
• Supply chain experience, including planning and logistics, preferred.
• Ability to partner 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.

Pay

The approximate pay range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000. Final compensation may vary based on factors including knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location.

Benefits

• Performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package.
• 401k with company match.
• Healthcare coverage.
• A broad range of other benefits, which may vary by position.