Senior Manager Strategy and Corporate Development (m,w,d)

Symrise AG; Rennes; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Symrise AG in Rennes, France, is seeking a Senior Manager Strategy & Corporate Development to shape and execute long-term strategic initiatives across the group. You will work closely with the Executive Board to lead strategy projects, transformation programs, and key value creation efforts across regions and functions.

The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, assessing growth opportunities, M&A options, and portfolio decisions, while establishing governance, KPIs, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in strategy, transformation, corporate development, or management consulting.
• Proven track record leading cross-functional programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the corporate strategy process, including market, competitor, and scenario analysis.
• Develop strategic recommendations and growth initiatives for senior leadership.
• Assess business opportunities, partnerships, portfolio decisions, and M&A opportunities.
• Drive transformation, profitability, and performance improvement programs.
• Establish governance frameworks, KPIs, and implementation roadmaps.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and manage key stakeholders across the organization.
• Support Executive Board reviews, strategic workshops, and decision-making processes.
• Build and continuously improve strategy and transformation capabilities across the Group.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Corporate strategy

Transformation programs

M&A

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication skills

Fluent English

Willingness to travel

Education

Masters degree

Job description

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

The Group, headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, has more than 100 locations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, the USA and Latin America.

Together with its customers, Symrise develops new ideas and market-ready concepts for products that form an indispensable part of everyday life. Economic success and corporate responsibility are inextricably linked.

Symrise - always inspiring more...

About the Role

As Senior Manager Strategy & Corporate Development, you will play a key role in shaping and executing Symrise's long-term strategic agenda. Working closely with the Executive Board and senior leadership, you will lead corporate strategy initiatives, transformation programs, and value creation projects across the Group.

This position combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution. You will assess growth opportunities, develop strategic recommendations, drive cross-functional transformation programs, and ensure that strategic decisions translate into measurable business outcomes. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, you will help shape the future direction of the organization while driving alignment across business segments, functions, and regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the corporate strategy process, including market, competitor, and scenario analysis.
• Develop strategic recommendations and growth initiatives for senior leadership.
• Assess business opportunities, partnerships, portfolio decisions, and M&A opportunities.
• Drive transformation, profitability, and performance improvement programs.
• Establish governance frameworks, KPIs, and implementation roadmaps.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and manage key stakeholders across the organization.
• Support Executive Board reviews, strategic workshops, and decision-making processes.
• Build and continuously improve strategy and transformation capabilities across the Group.

About You

We are looking for a strategic, results-oriented professional with strong experience in corporate strategy, transformation, or corporate development. You thrive in complex international environments and have a proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives while influencing senior stakeholders.

Your Profile

• Master's degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Significant experience in strategy, transformation, corporate development, or management consulting.
• Proven track record leading complex, cross-functional programs.
• Strong exposure to executive-level stakeholders and decision-making processes.
• Experience working within international and matrix organizations.
• Strong project management, analytical, and communication skills.
• Fluent English; additional languages are an advantage.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

Our Offer

Become part of our open and transparent culture. It will give you the opportunity to flourish and to develop inspiring experiences that contribute to the health and well-being of consumers in 160 countries around the world. Putting our employees in the focus fuels our strong company growth above market rates and makes us an excellent place to develop your career.

Come join us and embark on a fascinating journey with Symrise.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.