Strategic EMEA Category Manager – Food Ingredients

IFF; Aarhus; Hybrid; DKK 635,000 - 897,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

Pension plan

Life and disability insurance

Benefits Club discounts

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Hybrid work profile

Job summary

IFF is seeking a Regional Category Manager to develop and execute sourcing strategies for key raw materials across EMEA, ensuring supply continuity and cost competitiveness. You will build strategic supplier relationships, manage supplier agreements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align sourcing with business priorities.

The role offers a hybrid work model with locations in Asturias, Leiden or Brabrand, requiring strong analytics, negotiation and English fluency to drive value

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Procurement, Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Economics or equivalent.
• Procurement, sourcing or category management experience.
• Experience in food ingredients, chemicals, manufacturing or FMCG preferred.
• Strong analytical and commercial skills.
• Negotiating supplier agreements and managing supplier relationships.
• Ability to work effectively across functions and cultures.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute regional category strategies ensuring supply continuity and cost competitiveness.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships and drive innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.
• Communicate market developments and supplier performance updates to stakeholders.
• Develop and negotiate supplier agreements delivering commercial value while minimizing risk.
• Collaborate with Operations, Commercial, Quality, Supply Chain and other functions to align sourcing strategies.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives and productivity gains across the portfolio.
• Monitor market trends, cost drivers and supply risks to inform sourcing decisions and category strategies.

Skills

Analytical

Commercial acumen

Negotiation

Supplier relations

Cross-functional

Communication

Presentation

English

Education

Bachelor/Master in related field

Job description

IFF is seeking a Regional Category Manager to develop and execute sourcing strategies for key raw materials across EMEA, ensuring supply continuity and cost competitiveness. You will build strategic supplier relationships, manage supplier agreements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align sourcing with business priorities.

The role offers a hybrid work model with locations in Asturias, Leiden or Brabrand, requiring strong analytics, negotiation and English fluency to drive value