Global Category Manager, External Manufacturing (Food Ingredients)

Are you ready to shape a global contract manufacturing network and drive strategic sourcing decisions at scale? At IFF, we are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Global Category Manager, External Manufacturing, to lead one of the most strategic procurement categories within our Food Ingredients business. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and optimize a global network of manufacturing partners that are critical to supporting business growth, operational excellence, innovation, and supply continuity. We are seeking a procurement professional who combines strong strategic sourcing expertise with a solid understanding of manufacturing operations and production processes. The successful candidate will be comfortable navigating complex supplier relationships, leading high-value negotiations, challenging cost structures, and driving long-term value creation for the business. Working closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, Finance, and Commercial teams, you will play a key role in ensuring external manufacturing network remains competitive, resilient, and capable of supporting future business requirements. Preferred location is Asturias, Spain, operating in a hybrid model,   we are open to considering remote candidates for the right individual with the experience and expertise to make an immediate impact. Where You'll Make a Difference Develop and execute the global category strategy for External Manufacturing across the Food Ingredients business. Lead sourcing initiatives, contract negotiations, and supplier selection processes to deliver sustainable value and support business objectives. Build and manage relationships with strategic manufacturing partners worldwide , driving performance, innovation, quality, service, and cost competitiveness. Partner closely with Operations and Technical teams to understand manufacturing processes, capabilities, constraints, and cost drivers. Conduct detailed cost analysis and challenge supplier proposals to identify opportunities for optimization and value creation. Support manufacturing footprint decisions, capacity planning, risk mitigation initiatives, and make-versus-buy assessments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business growth, product launches, innovation projects, and supply continuity. Monitor market dynamics, industry trends, supplier capabilities, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities and mitigate risks. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the long-term development of a high-performing external manufacturing network. Act as a trusted business partner across Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, R&D, and Commercial functions. What Makes You the Right Fit 10+ years experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Category Management or Supply Chain within a manufacturing environment. Experience with Contract Manufacturing , Toll Manufacturing, Co-Manufacturing, or other External Manufacturing models. Proven success leading complex commercial negotiations and managing strategic supplier relationships. Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production processes, and operational cost drivers. Demonstrated ability to analyze manufacturing cost structures and identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements. Strong commercial acumen combined with analytical and financial skills. Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across functions and organizational levels. Self-driven, proactive, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, global environment. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building capabilities. Fluent English is a must. How Would You Stand Out? Experience within Food Ingredients, Food Manufacturing, Flavors & Fragrances, Biotechnology, Dairy Ingredients, Specialty Ingredients, Chemicals, or related industries. Background in Operations, Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Production, or