Regional Ingredient Specialist - NPP AOA

About the role

The Regional Ingredient Specialist will lead the technical development and qualification of new ingredients and suppliers for Nestlé Purina Pet Care. This role ensures compliance with Nestlé standards, food safety requirements, and supports business growth and innovation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead technical development and qualification of new ingredients and suppliers.
• Partner with Procurement to develop alternative ingredients and contingency plans.
• Ensure all ingredients meet Nestlé standards, food safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Support supplier audits and drive closure of technical and quality gaps.
• Collaborate with R&D, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain.
• Drive cost optimization through ingredient portfolio management and supplier development.
• Support innovation projects by developing next‑generation ingredients and ensuring timely execution.

Required profile

• Master’s degree or PhD in Food Science, Animal Nutrition, Feed Technology, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in operations, procurement, ingredient development, nutrition, formulation, or related technical roles.
• Strong knowledge of food, feed, or pet food ingredients and their functionalities.
• Understanding of formulation principles and ingredient impact on product performance.
• Experience with manufacturing, quality, regulatory, or supplier management activities.
• Proven project and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, cross‑functional environment and willingness to travel internationally.

Required skills

• Ingredient regulations and compliance.
• Supplier auditing processes.
• Formulation principles and ingredient functionality.
• Food safety and quality standards.
• Project management.