Regional Procurement Manager - Ocean/Freight Forwarding

Location: Panama City, Panama
Work model: Hybrid/ Full time
Contract type / duration: Permanent

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

As a Regional Procurement Manager – Ocean/Freight Forwarding at Nestlé Global Procurement, you will be defining and implementing the category strategy for the Ocean Freight & Other Logistics category on a regional level (AMS), utilizing strategic sourcing processes, tools and policies. 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 functionally by assisting in delivering value for the market and influencing in change management. 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 a Regional Procurement Manager – Ocean/Freight Forwarding

• Perform supplier market/category/supply risk analysis and develop Total Cost Ownership (TCO) models to identify improvement opportunities.
• Manage together with the team the next level escalations for the Zones/Markets.
• Negotiate contracts ensuring the most beneficial commercial agreements with suppliers in line with the strategy.   
• Manage the relationship with various stakeholders to integrate category plans and outcomes in local budgets and price planning.
• In partnership with Supplier Relationship Management Experts lead the planning and regular contract SLA reviews with suppliers and other functional partners.
• Identify and implement logistics optimization opportunities at markets. 
• Ensure compliance with Nestlé's Corporate Business Principles, policies and standards.

What will make you successful

• Degree in Procurement, Business Administration, Supply Chain or related field.
• Confirmed sourcing experience across multiple spend categories, ideally including the specific category.
• Strong experience in negotiations, supplier relationship management, risk management, and responsible sourcing.
• Proven leadership and project management skills, including supply chain projects.
• Solid understanding of national and international procurement regulations; experience in logistics services is a plus
• Strong stakeholder management skills and flexibility to work across time zones
• Fluent in English, any other languages as asset.

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

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

• Flexible working options, including hybrid work possibilities (for office-based roles)
• Paid holidays beyond legal requirements
• Learning and development opportunities to grow your career
• Performance based bonus
• Healthcare 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, 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.

Ready to Be a Force for Good?

Apply now and feel trusted to make decisions that matter.