Position Snapshot

Location: Vevey, Switzerland 
Company: Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. 
Act. Rate: Full-Time Act. Rate 100% 
Type of contract: Permanent contract 

Genuine opportunities for career and personal development
Dynamic international working environment

Position Summary

As a Regenerative Agriculture Manager – Category Lead, you will become a trusted Business Partner for the Strategic Business Unit (SBU), Zones, and Environmental Social and Governance (ESG). You will also be functional lead for Agri teams based in the markets and for all agriculture topics within your scope, and contribute to driving the Nestlé regenerative agriculture initiative within the corporate agriculture team.

Using your expertise in crop protection/IPM, you will help design and drive the Nestlé initiative for improved and innovative crop protection practices.

We offer a dynamic, inclusive, and international working environment with many opportunities across different companies, functions, and regions. Don’t miss the opportunity to join us and work with different teams in an agile and diverse context. 

A day in the life of a Regenerative Agriculture manager - Category Lead

• In line with the business priorities and the corporate ESG roadmaps, establish the agriculture strategy, especially for the direct sourcing operations. Together with SBU, contribute to the definition of the Agri sourcing strategy. Provide to SBU and procurement all the required agriculture expertise and input for his/her category.
• Drive the regenerative agriculture initiative as well as the agricultural carbon footprint reduction of the category in direct sourcing in line with the group/brands climate commitmentsDesign and operationalize all initiatives aiming at improving farmers' profitability, thus contributing to sustainable rural development. Support markets based teams in implementation.
• Define the strategy and roadmap to ensure the compliance of the direct sourcing operations with Nestlé Responsible Sourcing principles
• Support Zones' Mgt and markets Agri teams in implementation and support Procurement to achieve all ESG targets and ensure consistency between direct and indirect sourcing in Agri related matters
• Provide guidance to businesses, procurement and Zones/markets on agriculture related topics (sustainable / regenerative agriculture, contaminants and pesticides management, water ….)
• Develop the corresponding knowledge dissemination strategy (training contents, partnerships ...)
• Connect with the relevant external organisations and represent Nestlé and contribute to the group advocacy and external communication of agricultural achievements (investors, external panels …)
• Ensure appropriate internal communication of all initiatives leading to CSV in his category, especially to SBU and Public Affairs
• Ensure connection with R&D, internal and external, in order to permanently include all latest innovation in Nestlé Agri sourcing operation
• Lead, coach and train markets Agri teams members to develop people's competencies in his scope

What will make you successful

• Post Graduated University degree or equivalent in agriculture, rural development and farm economics or equivalent
• A minimum of 8 years’ experience, including demonstrable field experience as a line manager in an agricultural sourcing operation. Proven capability to influence others and lead without authority
• In depth knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices: 
• solid knowledge of Agro-ecology principles and applications
• strong knowledge of crop protection practices, challenges and associated risks. Good knowledge of Integrated Pest & Weeds management.
• Experience in the product categories in scope and management exposure across several functions
• Proven track record in delivering results by working with cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication and persuasion skills to work with internal and external stakeholders across all functions
• Excellent project management skills with result focus, including use of relevant tools
• Able to work in a network and able to work under pressure
• Fluency in the English Language is essential. Proficiency in Spanish is considered advantageous.