Global Director, Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence

Job Summary

The Global Director of Digital Transformation & Operational Excellence is a strategic leader within our Taste Division. You will be responsible for driving initiatives that integrate digital innovation, automation, and operational excellence. This role ensures alignment with business objectives, defines and executes strategy with a high-performing team, and delivers best-in-class solutions across the global network. The leader champions cultural change and innovation by combining advanced technologies and continuous improvement methodologies to accelerate growth and efficiency. You will report to the VP, Operational Excellence.

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

Taste: Crafting unique, technology-enabled flavor designs that define the identity of food and beverage brands, shape trends in flavor building and fuel market success.

The role can be based in Benicarlo, Barcelona, Asturias, or Madrid (Spain); Leiden or Tilburg (Netherlands); or South Brunswick, NJ (USA). Be part of a motivated, passionate, and open-minded team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

Where You'll Make a Difference

Lead the creation and execution of the Taste digitalization roadmap, translating business pain points into actionable, tech-enabled solutions.
Shape and deliver a multi-year strategy across digital transformation, operational excellence, and automation.
Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence programs with strong shop-floor engagement.
Oversee a global portfolio of digital and OE initiatives ensuring ROI, governance, and on-time delivery.
Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing, and Procurement to embed improved digital and operational capabilities.
Build a culture of innovation, upskilling teams and enabling adoption of digital tools.
Influence senior operational leaders across regions to drive transformation and cultural change.

What Makes You the Right Fit

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (Master's preferred).
15+ years in digital transformation, operations, or similar leadership roles.
Experience leading regional or multi-country digital transformation initiatives; global scale is an advantage.
Strong ability to diagnose business challenges and translate them into digital/automation requirements.
Practical continuous improvement experience with clear, hands-on examples from the shop floor. Six Sigma Green Belt required.
Demonstrated success influencing stakeholders at all levels—from operators to VP/COO.
Ability to thrive in high-pressure, ambiguous environments while shaping and adjusting strategy.

How Would You Stand Out?

Bring advanced global transformation leadership with the ability to guide complex, multi-region initiatives.
Apply deep technical expertise in automation, analytics, Industry 4.0, and emerging digital technologies.
Leverage strong process-industry experience—ideally from operator level to senior leadership—to turn operational challenges into digital solutions that deliver measurable financial impact.

Why Choose Us?

Play a pivotal role in shaping the first global digital & operational excellence framework for Taste.
Drive high-impact initiatives that directly influence operational performance and financial results.
Work with diverse, international teams committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and future-focused manufacturing.
Grow within an organization that invests in upskilling, leadership development, and a strong culture of innovation.

The following compensation range ($168, $230,000.00 base) is for candidates based in New Jersey and on a variety of factors, including but not limited to work experience, skills, certifications, and location. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, 401k, vacation, holidays, paid parental leave (maternity and paternity), and an annual bonus plan, among other employee perks.

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.

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