Purchasing Data & Process Specialist (f/m/d) - 5 months fixed-term contract

Symrise AG; Rennes; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Symrise AG in Rennes, France, seeks a Data and Process Specialist to strengthen procurement performance through data, analytics, and standardized processes across our global organization.

You will partner with IT, Finance, Sustainability, and suppliers to drive spend visibility, P2P improvements, and governance, using SAP data mastery and BI tools. The role covers end-to-end Procure-to-Pay, supplier management, contracting, and sustainability within an international team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Purchasing, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in procurement analytics, procurement systems, process excellence, transformation, or a Center of Excellence environment.
• Hands-on experience with procurement platforms and data.
• Strong understanding of Procure-to-Pay processes.
• Advanced analytical skills; proficient with Excel, BI tools and data visualization.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear insights; effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in a complex, global, matrixed organization.
• Structured problem-solving, attention to detail, and continuous improvement mindset.
• Experience with ERP environments, system integrations, or procurement operations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Data & Analytics: Develop and improve procurement data models, dashboards, and KPIs; ensure data governance; translate needs into insights; support reporting; promote self-service analytics.
• Process Excellence: Define end-to-end procurement processes; drive global standardization; identify inefficiencies; lead improvement initiatives; support change management.
• Procurement Technology: Support evaluation and implementation of procurement solutions; partner with IT on enhancements; assist with testing and training.
• Operational Data Management: Manage purchasing master data in SAP; monitor blocked invoices; act as SAP key user; maintain procurement reports and procedures.

Skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder communication

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Structured approach

Data storytelling

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business / Purchasing / Information Systems / Engineering

Tools

Excel

BI tools

Data visualization tools

SAP

ERP environments

Job description

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances and flavors, cosmetic active ingredients as well as functional ingredients. Its customers include manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics, food and beverages, the pharmaceutical industry, as well as producers of dietary supplements and pet food.

With sales of approximately €5.0 billion in fiscal year 2025, the company is among the world's leading players in the sector. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, the Group operates more than 100 sites across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, the United States and Latin America.

In close collaboration with its customers, Symrise develops new ideas and market-ready concepts for essential everyday products. Economic success and corporate responsibility are inseparable.

Your role

As a Data and Process Specialist within our Global Procurement Center of Excellence, you will help strengthen procurement performance through data, analytics, process standardization, and digital solutions.

Acting as a key link between Procurement, IT, Finance, Sustainability, and external technology partners, you will contribute to greater visibility, efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement across our global procurement operations.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Data & Analytics

• Develop and improve procurement data models, dashboards, and KPIs covering spend, savings, material segmentation, traceability, and supplier performance.
• Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and governance of procurement data.
• Translate business needs and questions into actionable insights for leadership and category teams.
• Support executive and steering committee reporting.
• Promote self-service analytics and strengthen data literacy within Procurement.

Process Excellence

• Define, document, and maintain end-to-end procurement processes, including Procure-to-Pay, Supplier Management, Contracting, and Sustainability.
• Drive global process standardization while considering relevant local requirements.
• Identify inefficiencies, control gaps, and automation opportunities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Support change management and the adoption of new processes.

Procurement Technology

• Support the evaluation, implementation, and continuous improvement of procurement solutions, including spend analytics, sourcing, contract lifecycle management, supplier management, P2P, and sustainability tools.
• Partner with IT on system enhancements, integrations, upgrades, and technology roadmaps.
• Contribute to testing, deployment, user training, and post-implementation support.

Operational Data Management

• Manage purchasing master data in SAP, including purchased items, manufacturer parts, Purchase Info Records, etc.
• Monitor blocked invoices and coordinate their resolution with buyers and inbound planners.
• Act as SAP key user, managing purchasing-related incidents and process improvements with IT.
• Maintain procurement reports and ensure the accuracy and integrity of purchasing data.
• Support annual supplier evaluations and maintain purchasing procedures, tools and process documentation.

Your profile

• You hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Purchasing, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
• You have 3 to 5 years of experience in procurement analytics, procurement systems, process excellence, transformation, or a Center of Excellence environment.
• You have hands-on experience with procurement platforms and data.
• You have a strong understanding of Procure-to-Pay processes.
• You possess advanced analytical skills and are comfortable working with Excel, BI tools, and data visualization solutions.
• You are able to translate complex data into clear insights and practical recommendations.
• You communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• You are comfortable working in a complex, global, and matrixed organization.
• You bring a structured problem-solving approach, strong attention to detail, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Experience with ERP environments, system integrations, or procurement operations would be an advantage.

Our offer

This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in the continued transformation of our global procurement organization, as part of a five-month fixed-term contract starting in February 2027.

You will work on highly visible, cross-functional projects and help improve the way procurement data, processes, and technologies are managed worldwide. You will join an international environment where collaboration, innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement are strongly valued.