Regional Procurement Category Manager - Flavors & Additives

About the role

As part of IFF's Taste business, a Regional Category Manager for Flavor Specialty Chemicals, Hydrocolloids and Additives is sought to join the Procurement team in Asturias, Spain (hybrid role). The role develops and executes sourcing strategies for a diverse portfolio of raw materials supporting the EMEA Taste business, with an annual spend of about USD 60 million, and works closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute regional category strategies for raw material portfolios, including portfolio consolidation, harmonization, standardization and supplier rationalization
• Manage high-volume raw material portfolios with thousands of items and lead strategic sourcing projects and regional/global RFQs
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, monitor market trends, commodity developments, regulatory changes and supply chain risks, and drive supplier performance improvement
• Develop contingency plans, alternative sourcing strategies and supplier diversification programs for high-risk and business-critical materials
• Lead commercial negotiations and establish supply agreements that minimize business risk
• Partner with Operations, Planning, Commercial, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Quality and Finance teams, acting as the procurement representative for the categories

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Economics, Chemistry or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of procurement, strategic sourcing or category management experience
• Experience managing high-volume raw material portfolios and supplier negotiations and contract management
• Fluent English, written and spoken, and ability to work in cross-functional and multicultural environments
• Plus: experience in flavors, specialty chemicals or food ingredients, knowledge of vanillin, ethyl vanillin and aroma chemicals, and experience leading sustainability, innovation or supplier development programs

Required skills

• Strong understanding of procurement and category management methodologies
• Experience with strategic sourcing tools, spend analytics and supplier management systems
• Experience in SAP; advanced Excel is a plus

What we offer

• Medical coverage for you, with optional family coverage, pension plan, life and accident/disability insurance
• Benefits Club with discounts, Employee Assistance Program, remote work options and flexible working hours