Regional Procurement Category Manager

Job Summary Ready to shape sourcing strategies that drive innovation, resilience, and growth across the EMEA Taste business?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 strategi c Regional Category Manager, 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 raw materials, 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 rationali