Associate Manager, Category Management

IFF N&B Iberica, S.L.; Asturias; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

IFF seeks an Associate Manager, Category Management to lead indirect spend categories in EMEA from Asturias, Spain (hybrid). You’ll shape sourcing strategies for HR, Fleet, Marketing & Communications and Professional Services, manage supplier relationships, and drive year‑over‑year savings and working capital improvements.

You will collaborate with global teams and contribute to IFF’s digital and innovation programs, delivering value across the organization with strong stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing or Category Management.
• Experience with HR, Fleet, Marketing & Communications and Professional Services categories preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and execute sourcing strategies and negotiate terms.
• Strong analytical, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop regional category strategies and savings plans across assigned categories.
• Conduct spend analysis, market intelligence and supplier market assessments.
• Negotiate master agreements and commercial terms with strategic suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance and lead improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with global/procurement teams and drive the digital strategy.

Skills

Procurement

Strategic Sourcing

Category Management

Supplier Management

Negotiation

Stakeholder Mgmt

Education

Bachelor's/Master's

Job description

Job Summary

IFF is very excited to welcome a new Associate Manager, Category Management to our Indirect team, and we hope it is you! In this role, you will manage assigned indirect spend categories within the EMEA region, developing, maintaining and executing sourcing strategies for a competitive and cost-effective portfolio of materials and services related to: HR, Fleet, Marketing & Communications, Professional Services.You will support the management of category costs and supplier performance, including developing sourcing strategies, setting category objectives and optimizing the supplier portfolio. You will build relationships with key suppliers, ensure alignment with IFF business objectives, and participate in Category Management teams to align sourcing strategies with global, regional and local business needs. IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.The Associate Manager, Category Management will be responsible for supporting the delivery of year-over-year savings, working capital improvements, supplier development, and collaboration with suppliers to advance IFF’s digital strategy and innovation programs. You will be a valued business partner across the organization, supporting initiatives that contribute to the company’s strategic objectives.The scope of the position includes developing effective market and supplier intelligence to evaluate opportunities, strengthen IFF’s competitive position and improve the value delivered by the assigned categories. The role is based in Asturias, Spain (hybrid role). Be part of a collaborative, strategic, and results‑driven team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

Where You'll Make a Difference

Develop strong sourcing capabilities across EMEA to support the effective management of corporate materials and services while applying IFF's strategic sourcing methodology in a disciplined and consistent manner. Maintain strong connections with key internal stakeholders to understand business demand, requirements and future trends. Develop regional category strategies for the assigned categories to ensure business objectives are met at the lowest total life‑cycle cost. Conduct ongoing spend analysis across assigned categories and subcategories, assess market intelligence and develop supply‑market analyses. Identify, onboard, and manage suppliers while applying Supplier Relationship Management principles to strengthen strategic partnerships, drive innovation, and diversify the supplier portfolio. Identify opportunities to optimize and consolidate the supplier base while supporting continuous improvement initiatives focused on service quality, efficiency, and value creation. Negotiate master agreements and commercial terms with strategic suppliers, address supplier performance issues, and support claim resolution when necessary. Support working capital improvement initiatives through supplier negotiations and stakeholder collaboration on long‑term business plans. Collaborate across EMEA and global procurement teams to ensure alignment, best‑practice sharing, and effective stakeholder communication. Monitor category performance against agreed KPIs and regularly communicate progress, achievements, risks, and priorities.

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Science, Supply Chain or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, or Supply Chain, preferably within indirect spend categories.
• Experience managing or supporting categories such as HR, Fleet, Marketing & Communications and Professional Services, including Consulting and Legal, is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute sourcing strategies, lead competitive sourcing processes, negotiate commercial agreements and manage supplier performance.
• Strong analytical and commercial skills, with the ability to translate spend data, market intelligence and business requirements into actionable sourcing strategies.
• Proactive, results‑oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to identify opportunities and drive actions independently.
• Ability to adapt effectively in a dynamic business environment, manage multiple priorities, solve complex problems, and make sound decisions in ambiguous situations.
• Continuous improvement mindset, actively challenging existing ways of working and identifying opportunities to simplify processes, improve efficiency and create additional value.
• Strong stakeholder‑management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions, countries and organizational levels.

How Would You Stand Out?

• CPSM, SPSM or a related certification in supply chain or procurement excellence.
• Knowledge of supplier relationship management and category management best practices.
• Fluent written and spoken English; proficiency in an additional language is a plus.

Why Choose Us?

Join a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition. Work in a highly collaborative and international environment. Contribute to strategic initiatives with direct business impact. Build strong partnerships across suppliers, functions, and regions. Enjoy opportunities for professional development and career growth. Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, innovation, and authenticity. 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.

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 At IFF, we make joy through science, creativity and heart.

As the global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health and biosciences, we deliver groundbreaking, sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products – advancing wellness, delighting the senses and enhancing the human experience. We value an inclusive, creative workplace where all individuals can thrive and do their best work. We consider all qualified candidates equally and based on merit, without regard to religion, ethnicity, national origin, race, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability.