Sr. Procurement Category Specialist - Indirect

Company: Nestl-- USA
Location: Arlington
Posted on: January 24, 2023

Job Description:

Nestl-- in the United States, part of Nestl-- S.A., is committed to enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future - for individuals and families, for our thriving and resilient communities, and for the planet. We are transforming our product portfolio - from pet care, premium water, frozen meals, and infant nutrition - to meet changing consumer needs by focusing on high-growth food, beverage and consumer categories.Our operations in the U.S. are composed of seven operating companies: Nestl-- USA, Nestl-- Purina, Nespresso, Gerber, Nestl-- Health Science, Nestl-- Professional, and Information Technology at Nestl-- all focused on our mission of "Good Food, Good Life." Our organization offers tremendous potential for professional growth and achievement, opportunities to make an impact on a global scale, and substantial rewards for a job well done.This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.This role is the face of their assigned category to Nestrade and serves as the key interface with business/functional leadership across US16 for respective category. You are an expert of the category, setting the procurement strategy for spend areas in your scope and localizing any globally created strategies. This role identifies value-creation opportunities and leads cross-functional projects for the category, as well as supplier strategy, collaboration, and local relationship management with a focus on risk mitigation, innovation, sustainability, and DEI. You will provide oversight for category-critical tasks like business continuity planning, supplier performance management, PPV forecast, etc., while working with the business to understand strategy, requirements, and challenges and to report updates. Role level and category alignment is dependent on applicable category experience, category complexity, supplier fragmentation, total spend, and other relevant factors.Job Duties:End-to-end management of assigned category/categories, including localization of global strategies, development of at-market strategies, and coordination with suppliers and Nestrade buyers (as required)Execute Nestl--'s 7-Step Strategic Sourcing Process in the North American market, enabling value generation through sustainability, innovation, and cost improvements for Nestl-- business unitsIdentify value creation opportunities by developing a deep understanding of each relevant business unit's requirements, challenges, and opportunities, and leveraging these insights to create and implement savings initiativesLeverage opportunities to lower total cost of ownership or increase value to the business while ensuring supplyAssign initiative owners for category aligned spend initiatives; provide category expertise and help guide initiative savings execution and pull throughUse knowledge of global suppliers and processes to bring opportunities to the forefrontBenchmark against competitors and promote supplier-led innovation to unlock valueUse insights and trends to liaise strategically with the business, factories, and suppliersDefine risk management strategies for the business and promote mitigation activities to reduce the chance of disruptionProactively manage supplier relationships resulting in a reduction of contractual risksClearly communicate risks and issues to key stakeholders, knowing when and to whom to escalate significant issueSuggest improved ways of working, introducing new processes or re-engineering existing ones in support of key prioritiesRecognize strategic drivers and activities that support key priorities, both within your category and across the organizationLeverage intelligence tools and participate in professional associations to learn best practices and industry trends; apply the learnings to the category strategies to drive continuous improvementComply with all Procurement and company policies, procedures, and practices, and promote adherence across the organizationApply project management principles to drive cross-functional teams in effective and efficient delivery of business objectives for both day to day activities and key projectsExperience/Education:Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in applicable fields required3+ years of knowledge of and experience with global procurement and sourcing processes, legal contract negotiations, and contract management systemsProficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including but not limited to Word, PowerPoint, and ExcelSAP, Ariba, and I-Nexus experience preferredInterpersonal skills to effectively build relationships with and influence a dynamic and diverse set of stakeholders, including the ability to listen and understand differing perspectivesStrategic mindset with quantitative, problem-solving, project management, and negotiation skills and a strong desire for progress and continuous improvementProven ability to analyze and present findings in a clear and cohesive mannerAdept at managing change and working through ambiguity to identify and drive to a solution, both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teamsExcellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise across boundaries and boarders and influence with integrityRequisition ID:209312It 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 Nestl--. 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. Nestl-- seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestl-- home.The Nestl-- Companies are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined 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 or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-.This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Keywords: Nestl-- USA, Arlington , Sr. Procurement Category Specialist - Indirect, Other , Arlington, Virginia