Regional Procurement Category Manager (Flavor Specialty Chemicals & Hydrocolloids and Additives)

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.

Our Taste business combines science, creativity, and deep consumer insights to create distinctive flavor solutions for customers around the world. By partnering closely with customers and suppliers, we help bring innovative food and beverage experiences to life while advancing sustainability, quality, and operational excellence.

As part of our Taste business, we are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Regional Category Manager, Flavor Specialty Chemicals & Hydrocolloids and Additives to join our Procurement team in Asturias, Spain (hybrid role).

Be part of a collaborative, strategic, high-performing team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

In this role, you will develop and execute sourcing strategies for a diverse portfolio of raw materials supporting IFF's Taste business across the EMEA region.

The Category Manager will be responsible for managing an annual spend of approximately USD 60 million, ensuring security of supply, cost competitiveness, sustainability, innovation, and long-term value creation.

The position requires close collaboration with suppliers and extensive cross-functional engagement with Operations, Planning, Quality, Regulatory, R&D, Product Development, Commercial, and Finance teams.

Portfolio Responsibilities

Flavor Specialty Chemicals

Including, but not limited to:

Vanillin and Ethyl Vanillin

Natural and Synthetic Chemicals

Hydrocolloids & Additives

Including, but not limited to:

Salts

Acids / Citrates

Functional Additives

Key Strategic Objectives

The Category Manager is accountable for the performance of the entire portfolio, including sourcing strategy development, supplier management, contract negotiation, market intelligence, risk mitigation, sustainability initiatives, and value creation projects.

The Category Manager will support IFF's procurement strategy through the following pillars:

·       Deliver cost competitiveness through strategic sourcing, TCO optimization, and productivity initiatives.

·       Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives.

·       Ensure raw material security of supply through proactive risk management and supplier diversification.

·       Support business growth through supplier innovation and strategic partnerships.

·       Enhance supply chain resilience through market intelligence and contingency planning.

·       Optimize supplier portfolios and material specifications where appropriate.

·       Improve cash flow through effective commercial negotiations and contract management.

Where You'll Make a Difference

Strategic Category Management

·       Develop and execute regional category strategies for assigned raw material portfolios.

·       Manage high-volume raw material portfolios with thousands of items, including portfolio consolidation, harmonization, standardization, and supplier rationalization initiatives.

·       Identify opportunities for cost savings, supplier consolidation, and process improvements.

·       Lead strategic sourcing projects and regional/global RFQs.

Supplier Relationship Management

·       Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers.

·       Monitor market trends, commodity developments, regulatory changes, and supply chain risks.

·       Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Risk Management

·       Develop contingency plans, alternative sourcing strategies, and supplier diversification programs for high-risk and business-critical materials and vendors.

Contract Management & Negotiation

·       Lead commercial negotiations with regional and global suppliers.

·       Establish and manage supply agreements that provide competitive advantages while minimizing business risks.

·       Ensure compliance with procurement policies and contractual obligations.

Cross-Functional Leadership

·       Partner closely with Operations, Planning, Commercial, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and Finance teams.

·       Act as the procurement representative and subject matter expert for assigned categories.

·       Communicate sourcing strategies, market developments, and business impacts effectively to stakeholders.

What Makes You the Right Fit

Education / Skills

·       Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Economics, Chemistry, or a related field.

·       Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

·       Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and multicultural environments.

·       Strong communication and presentation skills.

Experience

·       Minimum 5 years of procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management experience.

·       Experience within flavors, specialty chemicals or related industries is considered a plus.

·       Experience managing high-volume raw material portfolios with thousands of items, including portfolio consolidation, harmonization, standardization, and supplier rationalization initiatives.

·       Proven track record in supplier negotiations and contract management.

·       Experience in managing critical suppliers, supply chain risk management and business continuity planning.

How Would You Stand Out?

• Experience within flavors, specialty chemicals, food ingredients, or related industries.
• Knowledge of flavor specialty chemicals such as vanillin, ethyl vanillin, and natural or synthetic aroma chemicals.
• Experience leading sustainability, innovation, or supplier development programs within procurement.

Technical & Business Skills

·       Strong understanding of procurement and category management methodologies.

·       Experience with strategic sourcing tools, spend analytics, and supplier management systems.

·       Experience in SAP.

·       Excel advanced is a plus.

Why Choose Us?

IFF offers an attractive compensation and benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and work-life balance, including:

• Comprehensive medical coverage for you, with optional coverage for your family.

• Pension plan to support your long-term financial security.

• Life and accident/disability insurance.

• Benefits Club with exclusive discounts and savings on everyday purchases and vacation packages through a wide network of providers.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering confidential access to a wide range of wellbeing, financial, and personal support services for you and members of your household.

• Remote work options.

• Flexible working hours.

#LI-AF1

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more