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

Symrise; Rennes; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Symrise is seeking a Data and Process Specialist within our Global Procurement Center of Excellence in Rennes. You will strengthen procurement performance through data, analytics, process standardization, and digital solutions.

As a key link between Procurement, IT, Finance, Sustainability, and external partners, you will drive visibility, efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement across our global procurement operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Purchasing, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3 to 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 for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in a global, matrixed organization; structured problem-solving mindset.
• ERP environments, system integrations, or procurement operations experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve procurement data models, dashboards, and KPIs.
• Ensure data accuracy, governance, and consistency across procurement.
• Translate business needs into actionable insights for leadership and category teams.
• Support executive reporting and self-service analytics adoption.
• Drive process standardization and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Procurement analytics

Data visualization

Excel

BI tools

Stakeholder communication

Procure-to-Pay

ERP systems

Education

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

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

About us

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.

If you are passionate about data, process excellence, and digital transformation, and want to contribute to a more efficient and forward-looking procurement organization, we would be delighted to hear from you.