IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. The role is based in Asturias and is a hybrid role. Your potential is our inspiration.
In this role, you will lead the Operating Materials & Services (OM&S) category in the EMEA region, being responsible to develop, maintain and execute strategies to source a competitive and cost-effective regional portfolio of materials & services related to Operating Expenses (OpEx). This role will include the functional guidance of a Senior Buyer as well as a team of general resources providing support to the entire Indirect Materials & Services (IM&S) in the region. You will be accountable for the management of materials and services costs and performance of their full portfolio, including establishing the sourcing strategy and setting strategic objectives, while optimizing their supplier portfolio. You will manage relationships with key suppliers, ensure alignment with IFF business objectives, and participate on Category teams to align sourcing strategies with global, regional and local business needs. Global & regional external interactions with suppliers and extensive market/network knowledge will be required. In addition, the role requires extensive internal interaction with the regional Procurement organizations, and the Operations partners in the different countries within the EMEA region.
You will also develop skills and capabilities in the regional team to support digital strategies roll out by various functions including Regulatory, R&D, Quality, Creation & Application, Commercial and Corporate functions (Finance, HR, Legal etc). In this position you will contribute to key company, functional and regional business strategies and cost initiatives, directly impacting IFF’s costs and margin. The role will include responsibility for year over year savings in the cost of operating material & services, continuous improvements in working capital, supplier development and collaborating with suppliers to drive IFF's digital strategy and innovation programs. You will be a valued business partner across the organization and support initiatives to achieve the company's strategic objectives. The scope of this position includes effective products/services and competitive market intelligence to dynamically evaluate IFF competitive advantage.
Where You’ll Make a Difference
- Develop strong sourcing capabilities within IFF in EMEA, that support the organisation in delivering successful operating materials and services regionally.
- Maintain connections with the main internal stakeholders to understand demand and future trends in their needs.
- Develop regional category strategies for your categories, to ensure objectives are met, with lowest life cycle costs. Implement strategies within the portfolio, driving results and achieving strategic objectives.
- Execute a disciplined application of IFF’s strategic sourcing methodology: Perform continually spend analysis on assigned categories and sub-categories, assess market intelligence, and develop full market analysis, Identify and approve new vendors to diversify supply portfolio.
- Understand and apply the principals of SRM within the category and region: Develop new and existing supplier partnerships and collaboration to support growth strategy with innovation and technology, support technology buying by accessing supplier capabilities and reduce non-value-added suppliers.
- Provide continuous impactful communication to stakeholders. Be the advocate of the regional spend. Negotiate master agreements with strategic vendors. Negotiate and resolve vendor performance issues and negotiate claims, when necessary.
- Ensure coordination both within the EMEA region and with also other regions within IFF.
- Optimization and continuous improvement in service quality through collaboration with the stakeholders. Reduction of working capital through payment term negotiation and collaboration with the stakeholders on long terms plans & initiatives.
- Provide functional guidance to the resources assigned you (Senior Buyer and General IM&S).
What Makes You the Right Fit
- Bachelor, or master’s degree in Science/Engineering (preferred), Economics, Business, Supply Chain or equivalent experience
- Fluent oral and written skills in English language
- Related experience in the space operating around services procurement, supplier relationship management (> 10 years)
- CPSM or SPSM or related certification in supply chain or procurement excellence
- Ideally, experience in the procurement area of responsibility with depth and contacts in key markets (> 10 years)
- Strong knowledge of business practices and financial concepts/impact/analyses
- Solid Financial acumen ideally acquired through a commodity procurement role (involving hedging)
How Would You Stand Out
- Excellent people skills, project management and experience in cross-functional teams
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
Why Choose Us?
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Learning and development opportunities
- Professional and inspiring colleagues
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
