Assistant Procurement Manager - Ingredients (Flavors)

Nestlé S.A.; Kuala Lumpur; Hybrid; MYR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work

Paid holidays beyond legal requirement

Learning and development opportunities

Performance based bonus

Health insurance

Employee assistance program

Pension plan contribution

Parental leave

Employee discounts

Job summary

Nestlé Global Procurement seeks an Assistant Procurement Manager – Ingredients (Flavors) to support development and execution of the global Flavors category strategy. You will collaborate with R&D, QA, Regulatory and Manufacturing teams to assess ingredient feasibility, translate requirements into sourcing strategies, and help manage supplier negotiations.

The role emphasizes sustainability, value creation, and globally coordinated procurement across multiple hubs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic procurement of raw materials used in manufacturing or formulation‑driven environments.
• Experience working in multinational, matrix organizations with exposure to cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Ability to understand technical specifications, functional properties, quality parameters, and regulatory requirements of ingredients.
• High learning speed and the ability to navigate ambiguity in a dynamic, multi‑national organization.
• Proficient in English and Mandarin.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the global sourcing strategy by implementing the supplier management plan.
• Prepare for and support negotiation events and contract management (creation and revision of contracts) as approved by the category Procurement Managers.
• Identify opportunities for cost and efficiency optimization, and leading global initiatives to enhance value creation.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA, Regulatory and Manufacturing teams to evaluate technical feasibility, ingredient functionality, and risk across the supply base.
• Translate scientific and operational requirements into sourcing strategies and supplier negotiations.
• Conduct spend analysis and cost comparison tables for spend or projects.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical understanding of ingredients

Learning agility

English and Mandarin proficiency

Job description

Assistant Procurement Manager - Ingredients (Flavors)

Be a force for good and feel trusted to make decisions that matter.

As an Assistant Procurement Manager – Ingredients at Nestlé Global Procurement, your mission is to support the development and execution of the global Flavors category strategy, balancing commercial value with scientific, technical, and manufacturing requirements. We operate on a truly global scale, bringing together over 40 nationalities across three dynamic hubs in Switzerland, Panama, and Malaysia. You will make a difference by collaborating closely with Procurement Managers, Category Leaders, Technical, QA, R&D teams and Suppliers. This is your chance to drive innovation, sustainability, and impact at scale, ensuring value creation through responsibly sourced supply across diverse categories.

How you’ll make an impact as an Assistant Procurement Manager – Ingredients (Flavors)

• Contribute to the global sourcing strategy by implementing the supplier management plan.
• Prepare for and support negotiation events and contract management (creation and revision of contracts) as approved by the category Procurement Managers.
• Identify opportunities for cost and efficiency optimization, and leading global initiatives to enhance value creation.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA, Regulatory and Manufacturing teams to evaluate technical feasibility, ingredient functionality, and risk across the supply base.
• Translate scientific and operational requirements into sourcing strategies and supplier negotiations.
• Conduct spend analysis and cost comparison tables for spend or projects.

What will make you successful

• Proven experience in strategic procurement of raw materials used in manufacturing or formulation‑driven environments.
• Experience working in multinational, matrix organizations with exposure to cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Ability to understand technical specifications, functional properties, quality parameters, and regulatory requirements of ingredients.
• High learning speed and the ability to navigate ambiguity in a dynamic, multi‑national organization.
• Proficient in English and Mandarin.

At Nestlé Global Procurement, we place people at the heart of everything we do.

Our benefits are designed to support your growth and well‑being, so you can thrive at work and in life:

• Flexible working options, including hybrid work possibilities
• Paid holidays beyond legal requirements
• Learning and development opportunities to grow your career
• Performance based bonus
• Health insurance and access to the Employee Assistance Program
• Strong employer contribution to your pension plan
• Generous parental leave and comprehensive family support solutions
• Attractive employee discounts across various products and services

What to expect from our hiring process

We are committed to an inclusive and respectful hiring experience and are happy to provide reasonable accommodation if needed. Our workplaces are fully accessible and supported by a strong safety culture, with modern installations and procedures to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

The hiring process typically includes a video interview with Talent Acquisition, an interview with the hiring team (via video or in‑person), and a final discussion and offer. We review applications as they are received and close the role once a strong list of relevant candidates is identified, so we encourage you to apply early. All information is treated confidentially.

Stay vigilant: Nestlé will only contact candidates via official company email addresses and will never ask for payments or sensitive personal information at any stage of the hiring process.

Ready to Be a Force for Good?