Regional Category Manager

Looking for an opportunity to join the Food Ingredients EMEA Procurement team? This is your chance to be part of a highly visible team during an exciting period of transformation. You will gain exposure to international supplier markets, strategic sourcing initiatives and cross-functional collaboration while helping shape the future of the Food Ingredients business. IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that enhance products enjoyed by consumers around the world. In May, IFF entered into an agreement to sell its Food Ingredients business to CVC Capital Partners, a leading global private markets manager. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. This role offers an excellent opportunity to deepen your category management expertise, expand your international procurement exposure and contribute to a business undergoing significant transformation. This is a hybrid role that can be based in Asturias (Spain), Leiden (Netherlands), or Brabrand (Denmark). We are looking for a Regional Category Manager to join our EMEA Procurement team. In this role, you will develop and execute sourcing strategies to ensure the reliable supply, competitiveness and optimization of key raw materials across Food Ingredients manufacturing sites in EMEA. The Category Manager will prepare, negotiate, manage, and coordinate assigned raw material categories across the EMEA region for the Food Ingredients business unit. Categories in scope: ·         Sugar ·         Acidulants ·         Salt ·         Phosphates ·         Additional ingredient categories The Category Manager is accountable for the performance of the assigned portfolio, including category strategy development, supplier management, sourcing initiatives, portfolio optimization and continuous improvement projects. The Category Manager will manage supplier relationships and ensure alignment with business objectives. The role requires regular interaction with international suppliers and a strong understanding of raw material markets and industry networks. You will work closely with Operations, Commercial, Quality, Supply Chain and Technical teams to align sourcing strategies with business priorities and drive successful outcomes. Where You'll Make a Difference   Develop and execute regional category strategies that ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness and value delivery. Implement sourcing initiatives across the region and deliver measurable business results. Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships, identifying opportunities for innovation, sustainability, risk mitigation and continuous improvement. Partner with suppliers to support business growth and leverage market capabilities and technology solutions. Communicate market developments, sourcing initiatives and supplier performance updates to stakeholders. Act as the procurement representative and category advocate within the region. Develop and negotiate supplier agreements that deliver commercial value while minimizing risk and ensuring supply continuity. Build strong partnerships with Operations, Commercial, Quality, Supply Chain and other key functions to achieve business objectives. Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives and productivity gains across the portfolio. Monitor market trends, cost drivers and supply risks, using insights to support sourcing decisions and category strategies. What Makes You the Right Fit   Bachelor's or Master's degree in Procurement, Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Economics or equivalent. 4+ years of procurement, sourcing or category management experience. Experience within food ingredients, chemicals, manufacturing or FMCG environments is preferred. Strong analytical and commercial skills. Demonstrated experience