Procurement Specialist, Etten-Leur

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Region

Job Number #173237 - Etten-Leur, Noord Brabant, Netherlands

Colgate-Palmolive Company

is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing 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.

We are 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.

Procurement Specialist We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Procurement Specialist to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role ensures the continuous, optimal supply of essential raw and packaging materials across all European production facilities. The incumbent will execute strategic savings initiatives, develop and implement sourcing strategies, operating plans, sustainability roadmaps, and supply chain resiliency plans, and establish robust contractual agreements for all materials.

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 We develop strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging and is empowered to contribute meaningfully.

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr