Category Director

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances and flavors, cosmetic active ingredients, and functional ingredients. Its customers include perfume, cosmetics, food and beverage manufacturers, the pharmaceutical industry, and producers of dietary supplements and pet food. With sales of around €4.9 billion in the 2025 financial year, the company is one of the world's leading providers. The Group, headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, has more than 100 locations worldwide.

About the role

Develops the strategy and annual operating plan of defined Food category(s) within the overall NA business unit. The role is responsible for the sales and margin development of the defined category/s as well as determining the strategic customer and competency priorities. Manages a team of 2-3 Category Managers and is responsible for the design, positioning, and communication of the category portfolio to meet market needs, including identifying product/technology gaps. This position drives the core listing process with sales, negotiates favorable terms, and interfaces with the legal department. Requires a savory food mindset and P&L responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Develop 3-5 year category strategy and annual operating plan to meet sales and margin objectives of the division. Collaborate with Sales, Technical, and Marketing to execute the annual operating plan and project pipeline. Provide senior management updates on progress, barriers to success, and market dynamics impacting the category plan.
• Develop and maintain superior category understanding (consumers, customer brands and strategies, and application and technology interactions). Work with Marketing and Technical to develop and execute go-to-market presentations that are customer, consumer, and brand relevant, differentiate Symrise from competitors, and support winning submissions.
• Provide leadership in the direction, development, and management of the applications group. Ensure the team has the right skills and training to foster an agile, creative, and fast-paced organization for the defined categories. Meet and exceed customer expectations for time, delivery, and cost while ensuring smooth project management processes.
• Together with sales, directly participate in key reactive and proactive account activities, including marketing initiatives and relationship management goals. Build relationships with key client decision-makers and position Symrise with targeted brand, technical, and innovation managers as part of the business development process.
• Lead the Category team to ensure alignment of strategy and approach across all categories within area responsibility. Mentor and grow direct reports while monitoring and enhancing their individual growth and that of their assigned categories.

Requirements

• MS in Food Science or MBA (or equivalent) preferred; BS in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Business, or equivalent required.
• 5+ years of commercial or business experience.
• 10+ years in the flavor or food ingredient business preferred.
• Savory food mindset and drive for P&L.
• DOT/HAZMAT, ISO, safety, and regulatory training as required by the company.

Skills

• High degree of entrepreneurial spirit and energy.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Ability to think strategically and see the "big picture."
• Strong presentation and public speaking ability.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Maturity in judgment, tact, and timeliness.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); knowledge of Lotus Notes and SAP is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment.
• Requires tasting and evaluation of various food/beverage products; must be willing and able to taste and smell flavors.
• U.S. and international travel required.

Pay

The expected annual salary range for this position is USD 140,000 – USD 199,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance.