Procurement Specialist

Hill's Pet Nutrition; Etten-Leur; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive is seeking a highly motivated Procurement Specialist to join our European team in Etten-Leur, Netherlands. You will drive strategic sourcing, manage supplier performance, and lead cost-saving initiatives across packaging and materials, using AI-enabled tools like Ariba and SAP to optimize value.

You will collaborate with internal partners, enforce contract terms, and build resilient supply chains while advancing sustainability and supplier development programs across Europe.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, business analytics, or related field.
• 3+ years in strategic sourcing or supply chain with complex material categories.
• Native-level English.
• Advanced Excel; SQL or data visualization tools like Power BI a plus.
• Experience with ERP/e-procurement suites (SAP S/4HANA or Ariba).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for materials across Europe.
• Lead negotiations and RFx processes with suppliers.
• Manage supplier relationships and drive performance improvements.
• Identify and lead cost-saving initiatives and risk mitigation plans.
• Collaborate with internal partners to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Supplier Management

RFx Negotiation

Data Analysis/Excel

SAP/Ariba Proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Ariba

Excel

Power BI

Job description

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number #176751 - Etten-Leur, Noord Brabant, Netherlands

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous,we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Location:

Etten-Leur, Netherlands

Salary Range:

54,825 - 61,275

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of people and their pets? What about having the opportunity to connect with others across the world, full of stimulating discussions, and making impactful contributions?

If this is how you see your career, Hill’s is the place to be!

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is a multibillion dollar, global division of Colgate-Palmolive Company and the maker of Prescription Diet, Science Diet, and Vet Essentials brand pet food. Our mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets by providing the best leading-edge pet nutrition technology, products, and expertise to pet owners, veterinary professionals and other key pet professionals worldwide. Our company is a globally recognized Best Place to Work.

We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Procurement Specialist to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring the continuous, optimal supply of essential raw and packaging materials across all European production facilities. The incumbent will be instrumental in executing strategic savings initiatives and, through collaborative engagement with suppliers and internal stakeholders, will develop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies, operating plans, sustainability roadmaps, and supply chain resiliency plans to achieve core company objectives. A key requirement is the establishment of robust contractual agreements for all materials with selected suppliers, ensuring adherence to stringent terms and conditions across quality, quantity, cost, delivery, and other critical contractual elements.

What you will do:

Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned materials.
• Lead or participate in negotiations and manage RFx processes.
• Cultivate a robust network internally and externally to drive growth and innovation.
• Utilize procurement e-Tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms, such as Ariba and SAP.

Supplier Management & Performance

• Manage supplier relationships through regular evaluation meetings, project reviews, and innovation discussions.
• Establish and monitor performance goals for suppliers in key areas: sustainability, innovation, cost, quality, and service.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lead supplier development programs.

Cost Management & Risk Mitigation

• Identify, develop, and lead company savings initiatives to meet corporate financial goals.
• Direct risk management, including executing Enhanced Supplier Management (ESM) audit plans and meeting contract coverage targets.
• Implement action plans to mitigate supply disruption risks and reduce single-source dependency.
• Achieve sustainability and social responsibility objectives.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and drivers for assigned materials to identify future cost risks and opportunities.

Internal Collaboration & Compliance

• Ensure effective communication and alignment with internal business partners.
• Provide support to local teams in resolving material quality and service issues.
• Ensure full compliance with all Company policies and standards.
• Engage in continuous self-improvement through training, coaching, feedback, and implementing best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Analytics, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in Strategic Sourcing or Supply Chain, with a proven track record of managing complex material categories.
• Native-level fluency in English
• High proficiency in data manipulation (Advanced Excel is the baseline; experience with SQL or Data Visualization tools like PowerBI is a major plus).
• Deep experience with ERP/e-Procurement suites (SAP S/4HANA or Ariba).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leveraging Generative AI (Google tools) to automate administrative tasks and enhance market research.
• Ability to use historical data to forecast future supply chain trends and pricing.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects using Agile or Lean methodologies.
• Background in Food Packaging, FMCG, or highly regulated manufacturing sectors.
• Ability to use data-backed \"Clean Sheet\" costing to influence outcomes.
• Strategic thinking: shifting from \"buying materials\" to \"managing ecosystems\".
• A proactive mindset regarding the adoption of new technologies and digital transformation.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.