Global Category Manager, External Manufacturing (Food Ingredients)

Job Summary Are you ready to shape a global contract manufacturing network and drive strategic sourcing decisions at scale? At IFF, we are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Global Category Manager, External Manufacturing, to lead one of the most strategic procurement categories within our Food Ingredients business. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and optimize a global network of manufacturing partners that are critical to supporting business growth, operational excellence, innovation, and supply continuity. We are seeking a procurement professional who combines strong strategic sourcing expertise with a solid understanding of manufacturing operations and production processes. The successful candidate will be comfortable navigating complex supplier relationships, leading high-value negotiations, challenging cost structures, and driving long-term value creation for the business. Working closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, Finance, and Commercial teams, you will play a key role in ensuring external manufacturing network remains competitive, resilient, and capable of supporting future business requirements. Preferred location is Asturias, Spain, operating in a hybrid model, we are open to considering remote candidates for the right individual with the experience and expertise to make an immediate impact. Where You'll Make a Difference Develop and execute the global category strategy for External Manufacturing across the Food Ingredients business. Lead sourcing initiatives, contract negotiations, and supplier selection processes to deliver sustainable value and support business objectives. Build and manage relationships with strategic manufacturing partners worldwide , driving performance, innovation, quality, service, and cost competitiveness. Partner closely with Operations and Technical teams to understand manufacturing processes, capabilities, constraints, and cost drivers. Conduct detailed cost analysis and challenge supplier proposals to identify opportunities for optimization and value creation. Support manufacturing footprint decisions, capacity planning, risk mitigation initiatives, and make-versus-buy assessments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business growth, product launches, innovation projects, and supply continuity. Monitor market dynamics, industry trends, supplier capabilities, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities and mitigate risks. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the long-term development of a high-performing external manufacturing network. Act as a trusted business partner across Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, R&D, and Commercial functions. What Makes You the Right Fit 10+ years experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Category Management or Supply Chain within a manufacturing environment. Experience with Contract Manufacturing , Toll Manufacturing, Co-Manufacturing, or other External Manufacturing models. Proven success leading complex commercial negotiations and managing strategic supplier relationships. Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production processes, and operational cost drivers. Demonstrated ability to analyze manufacturing cost structures and identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements. Strong commercial acumen combined with analytical and financial skills. Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across functions and organizational levels. Self-driven, proactive, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, global environment. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building capabilities. Fluent English is a must. How Would You Stand Out? Experience within Food Ingredients, Food Manufacturing, Flavors & Fragrances, Biotechnology, Dairy Ingredients, Specialty Ingredients, Chemicals, or related industries. Background in Operations, Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Production, or Plant environments before moving into Procurement. Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as: Fermentation Bacterial and microbiological production Drying technologies and powder processing Blending and mixing operations Grinding and milling processes Agglomeration technologies Ingredient processing and value-added manufacturing solutions Experience performing should-cost analysis, manufacturing cost breakdowns, or value engineering exercises. Track record of delivering procurement savings while maintaining strong supplier partnerships and operational performance. Ability to challenge suppliers constructively and drive results in complex commercial environments. Why Choose Us? At IFF, you'll have the opportunity to lead a highly visible and business-critical global category that directly supports innovation, growth, and operational excellence across our Food Ingredients organization. This role offers significant exposure to senior leaders and cross-functional teams, allowing you to influence strategic decisions, shape supplier partnerships, and drive meaningful business impact on a global scale. You'll join a collaborative international environment where science, creativity, and innovation come together to create products enjoyed by millions of consumers worldwide. If you're passionate about strategic sourcing, manufacturing excellence, and building long-term supplier partnerships, we'd love to hear from you. In addition, IFF offers an attractive compensation and benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and work-life balance, including: Comprehensive medical coverage for you, with optional coverage for your family. Pension plan to support your long-term financial security. Life and accident/disability insurance. Benefits Club with exclusive discounts and savings on everyday purchases and vacation packages through a wide network of providers. Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering confidential access to a wide range of wellbeing, financial, and personal support services for you and members of your household. Remote work options. Flexible working hours. For your awareness, IFF has announced its intention to sell its Food Ingredients Business to CVC Capital Partners. The sale is presently expected to close in the first half of 2027, pending regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. The Food Ingredient business unit will remain a part of IFF until close and, at such time, it will transition to CVC Capital Partners. In applying for this position, you acknowledge your awareness that the position is a part of the Food Ingredient business unit and has been identified to transition to CVC Capital Partners. #LI-AF1 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