The Regional Category Manager is responsible to develop and maintain a strategy to source a competitive and cost effective regional portfolio of raw materials across all manufacturing plants in their region. This portfolio will include materials sourced regionally, with a common supply base and similar market forces. The individual is accountable for the management of raw material costs and performance of their full portfolio, including establishing the sourcing strategy and setting strategic objectives, while optimizing their supplier portfolio. The individual will manage relationships with key suppliers, ensure alignment with IFF business objectives, and participate on Category teams to align sourcing strategies with global, regional and local business needs. The job function requires regional external interactions with suppliers and extensive market/network knowledge. In addition, it requires extensive internal interaction with key functions including Regulatory, R&D, Quality, Creation & Application, Commercial, and Technical Program leads. This position contributes to key company, functional and regional business strategies and cost initiatives, directly impacting IFF's margins.
The role will include year over year savings in raw material costs, continuous improvements in working capital, supplier development, sustainability programs, and collaborating with suppliers to drive IFF's innovation programs. He/She will be a valued business partner across the organization and support initiativess to achieve the company's strategic objectives.The scope of this position includes effective
**Job Responsibilities and Requirements**:
**Responsibilities**
Develop regional category strategies for assigned categories and sub-categories to ensure raw material supply, manage costs, and capture savings. Implement strategies within the region, driving results and achieving strategic objectives.
Optimization and continuous improvement in raw material quality and service through collaboration with Creation & Application, Operations, and Quality in support of corporate service, sustainability, and quality goals.
Provide continuous impactful communication to stakeholders.
Reduction of working capital through payment term negotiation and collaboration with Planning group on vendor managed inventory and vendor based planning initiatives.
Alignment with Responsible Sourcing Team on Supplier and ingredient risk assessment.
**Requirements**:
Undergraduate degree
+ 7 years Recognized expert in the procurement area of responsibility with product depth and contacts in key supply markets and supply chain experience
+ 7 years Strong knowledge of business practices and financial concepts/impact/analyses
+ 5 years Knowledge of strategic sourcing best practices
+ 5 Strong people/stakeholder management skills, project and execution skills
**_Preferred_**
CPSM or SPSM or related certfication in supply chain or procurement excellence