Senior Procurement Category Management Specialist (Packaging)

At Nestlé Health Science, we believe that nutrition, science, and wellness must merge, not collide. Here, 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 have extensive pharmaceutical expertise, offering innovative medicines that aim to prevent, manage, and treat gastrointestinal and metabolic-related diseases. At Nestlé Health Science, we bring our best for better lives. Our people are challenged to bring fresh, diverse views and make bold moves to empower healthier lives through nutrition. We know brilliant ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. Here we embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and collaborate with teams that champion focused and forward thinking. We are committed to fostering professional growth and celebrating the achievements of our people along the way. We offer dynamic career paths, robust development, opportunities to learn from talented colleagues around the globe, and benefits that support physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Join us to innovate for impact and reimagine the future of health and nutrition for patients and consumers. Position Summary: This role leads the procurement of strategic packaging categories for Nestlé Health Science US, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to optimize sourcing strategies, supplier selection, pricing, contracting, and ongoing supplier performance—while meeting quality, service, and business requirements. The position is responsible for developing and executing category strategies, leading negotiations, and establishing contract terms, pricing, and sourcing documentation to secure high-value, cost-effective supplier partnerships. The ideal candidate brings strong packaging expertise across industries such as food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, or chemical manufacturing, along with a deep understanding of procurement best practices, supplier markets, and quality and service standards. Working collaboratively across the business, this role drives initiatives that improve cost efficiency, quality, and service delivery, enhancing overall customer satisfaction while managing a complex packaging portfolio of approximately $30–$40M across a diverse supplier base. Important Note: This position is remote. Preference will be given to candidates who reside within the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut). Key Responsibilities: Lead procurement of strategic packaging categories for Nestlé Health Science US, managing a complex spend portfolio of approximately $30–$40M across a diverse supplier base. Partner cross-functionally to align on business needs and drive effective sourcing strategies, supplier selection, pricing, contracting, and supplier performance. Develop and execute short- and long-term category strategies and annual sourcing plans to deliver value and support business objectives. Lead supplier negotiations and establish contract pricing, terms, and conditions to secure high-value, cost-effective agreements. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and maintain a savings pipeline, ensuring accurate tracking and alignment with Finance. Conduct market research and monitor industry trends to inform category strategies and adapt to changing business needs. Manage supplier performance, including ongoing evaluation and implementation of improvement plans to enhance quality, service, and delivery. Proactively identify and mitigate supply risks, partnering with supply planning teams to resolve issues and ensure continuity. Collaborate with commercial and cross-functional teams to maintain alignment on business priorities and identify opportunities for innovation and value creation. Support new product launches, technologies, and key initiatives by leveraging supplier capabilities and insights. Contribute to transformation initiatives (e.g., network optimization, complexity reduction) as needed. Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of procurement data in ERP systems. Manage monthly price forecasting and review processes. Experience & Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field. Proven experience in procurement category management supporting manufacturing, commercial, and/or corporate functions across various operating models. 5+ years of experience with strong subject matter expertise in packaging categories, ideally within food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, or chemical industries. Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing and category management, including supplier selection, contract negotiation, and implementation. Hands-on experience developing and onboarding new suppliers and delivering business solutions. Strong knowledge of procurement methodologies and supplier markets. Experience leading change management initiatives and driving continuous improvement. Ability to lead cross-functional teams and solve complex business challenges. Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Proven analytical capabilities, including data analysis and process improvement. Effective communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization. Customer-focused mindset with the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships. Ability to work independently, navigate ambiguity, and establish effective processes and structure. Experience working in a global, matrixed organization. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; experience with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle preferred. Broad supply chain knowledge, with exposure to planning and logistics preferred. Ability to collaborate effectively with technical stakeholders, supported by foundational technical understanding. Experience in contract development and negotiation. Foundational financial acumen, including understanding of P&L, budgeting, and cash flow. Travel Requirement: Approximately 15%, including domestic travel and visits to Bridgewater, NJ office The approximate pay range for this position is $85,000.00 to $95,000.00. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Nestlé Careers (nestlejobs.com) It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace. To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home. The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: View phone number on click.appcast.io. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at Job Requisition: 403431 At Nestlé Health Science, we believe that nutrition, science, and wellness must merge, not collide. Here, 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 have extensive pharmaceutical expertise, offering innovative medicines that aim to prevent, manage, and treat gastrointestinal and metabolic-related diseases. At Nestlé Health Science, we bring our best for better lives. Our people are challenged to bring fresh, diverse views and make bold moves to empower healthier lives through nutrition. We know brilliant ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. Here we embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and collaborate with teams that champion focused and forward thinking. We are committed to fostering professional growth and celebrating the achievements of our people along the way. We offer dynamic career paths, robust development, opportunities to learn from talented colleagues around the globe, and benefits that support physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Join us to innovate for impact and reimagine the future of health and nutrition for patients and consumers. Position Summary: This role leads the procurement of strategic packaging categories for Nestlé Health Science US, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to optimize sourcing strategies, supplier selection, pricing, contracting, and ongoing supplier performance—while meeting quality, service, and business requirements. The position is responsible for developing and executing category strategies, leading negotiations, and establishing contract terms, pricing, and sourcing documentation to secure high-value, cost-effective supplier partnerships. The ideal candidate brings strong packaging expertise across industries such as food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, or chemical manufacturing, along with a deep understanding of procurement best practices, supplier markets, and quality and service standards. Working collaboratively across the business, this role drives initiatives that improve cost efficiency, quality, and service delivery, enhancing overall customer satisfaction while managing a complex packaging portfolio of approximately $30–$40M across a diverse supplier base. Important Note: This position is remote. Preference will be given to candidates who reside within the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut). Key Responsibilities: Lead procurement of strategic packaging categories for Nestlé Health Science US, managing a complex spend portfolio of approximately $30–$40M across a diverse supplier base. Partner cross-functionally to align on business needs and drive effective sourcing strategies, supplier selection, pricing, contracting, and supplier performance. Develop and execute short- and long-term category strategies and annual sourcing plans to deliver value and support business objectives. Lead supplier negotiations and establish contract pricing, terms, and conditions to secure high-value, cost-effective agreements. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and maintain a savings pipeline, ensuring accurate tracking and alignment with Finance. Conduct market research and monitor industry trends to inform category strategies and adapt to changing business needs. Manage supplier performance, including ongoing evaluation and implementation of improvement plans to enhance quality, service, and delivery. Proactively identify and mitigate supply risks, partnering with supply planning teams to resolve issues and ensure continuity. Collaborate with commercial and cross-functional teams to maintain alignment on business priorities and identify opportunities for innovation and value creation. Support new product launches, technologies, and key initiatives by leveraging supplier capabilities and insights. Contribute to transformation initiatives (e.g., network optimization, complexity reduction) as needed. Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of procurement data in ERP systems. Manage monthly price forecasting and review processes. Experience & Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field. Proven experience in procurement category management supporting manufacturing, commercial, and/or corporate functions across various operating models. 5+ years of experience with strong subject matter expertise in packaging categories, ideally within food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, or chemical industries. Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing and category management, including supplier selection, contract negotiation, and implementation. Hands-on experience developing and onboarding new suppliers and delivering business solutions. Strong knowledge of procurement methodologies and supplier markets. Experience leading change management initiatives and driving continuous improvement. Ability to lead cross-functional teams and solve complex business challenges. Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Proven analytical capabilities, including data analysis and process improvement. Effective communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization. Customer-focused mindset with the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships. Ability to work independently, navigate ambiguity, and establish effective processes and structure. Experience working in a global, matrixed organization. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; experience with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle preferred. Broad supply chain knowledge, with exposure to planning and logistics preferred. Ability to collaborate effectively with technical stakeholders, supported by foundational technical understanding. Experience in contract development and negotiation. Foundational financial acumen, including understanding of P&L, budgeting, and cash flow. Travel Requirement: Approximately 15%, including domestic travel and visits to Bridgewater, NJ office The approximate pay range for this position is $85,000.00 to $95,000.00. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Nestlé Careers (nestlejobs.com) It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace. To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained whil