Sr. Specialist Procurement Category Manager (Sr. Category Buyer)

Driven by integrity and united by the people-and-pet bond, we find strong purpose in the work we do and an even greater joy in those we get to work alongside. Together, we harness the expertise of our long-standing tradition of excellence to embrace possibility and continuously push to do what's never been done before in pet care. Discover your purpose and fuel your passions when you bring your love of pets to a team that prides itself on the power of togetherness—We are Proudly Connected. Purely Driven.

Position Summary

Our roots were planted here in 1894, and we have since expanded to 24 manufacturing facilities nationwide. St. Louis, a hidden gem, offers a unique blend of big-city amenities and a small-town feel. Discover a rich culture, world-class schools, top-notch healthcare, and affordable living. With neighborhoods to suit every lifestyle, St. Louis is the perfect place to call home. Join us in this vibrant city, where we proudly work together to make a difference in the lives of people, our pets and the environment.

As a Sr. Specialist Procurement Category Manager (Sr. Category Buyer – Direct Materials), you’ll lead sourcing strategy for ingredients and packaging from start to finish. By using business needs and marketing insights, you’ll build strategies that reduce costs, strengthen supplier relations, and support responsible sourcing practices. You’ll turn data and market intelligence into actionable plans that align with business priorities, improve supply reliability, and drive value. You will also identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement while ensuring sourcing decisions support both day-to-day operations and long-term goals.

• Lead sourcing strategy execution for assigned categories, balancing business priorities, supply continuity, cost optimization, and long-term category goals.


• Partner closely with factory teams to address day-to-day supply issues, respond to urgent requests, and support uninterrupted operations in a fast-paced environment.


• Interface directly with suppliers to manage requests, monitor performance, and ensure materials are delivered on time and in full.


• Own OMP-related activities for assigned categories, supporting planning alignment, execution, and supply visibility across the network.


• Conduct supplier, category, and supply risk analyses to identify opportunities, mitigate risk, and improve total cost of ownership.


• Manage a dynamic portfolio of priorities, including sourcing milestones, rolling calendar deliverables, financial reporting, and other business-critical activities.


• Support sourcing and supply activities across the wet and dry network, including supplier relationships within the meat industry such as poultry, pork, and beef.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Agriculture or related AND 3+ years' experience in strategic procurement, marketing, logistics, supply chain, or related OR High School Diploma AND 10+ years' experience in direct negotiating experience.

The approximate pay range for this position is $90,000 to $111,000. 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.

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 [email protected] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. 

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Job Requisition: 400827