Category Senior Buyer

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavors, food, nutrition and cosmetic ingredients. Its clients include manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and producers of nutritional supplements and pet food. With sales of €4.9 billion in the 2024 fiscal year, Symrise is a leading global provider. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, the Group is represented by more than 100 locations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the United States and Latin America.

The Scent & Care division creates and sells fragrances, cosmetic ingredients, aroma molecules and mint aromas. Manufacturers use these to produce perfumes, personal care and cosmetic products, cleaning products and detergents, home fragrances and oral care products.

The Scent & Care Procurement team is divided into two groups: Fragrance Procurement (reporting directly to the Fragrance Business Leadership team) and Chemicals Procurement (including Aroma Molecules & Cosmetic Ingredients, reporting directly to the Aroma Molecules Business Leadership team). This position is part of Fragrance Procurement.

About the role

The Category Team Member/Buyer for Synthetics plays a critical role in keeping the procurement engine running smoothly and strategically. This position ensures clear communication, accurate data management, and fast resolution of operational issues while supporting key procurement activities across the Synthetics category. The role blends hands-on operational execution with meaningful strategic impact.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate SAP data, contracts, info records, and documentation.
• Manage purchase orders, invoice verification, and daily operational tasks.
• Resolve logistics issues, supplier complaints, and order discrepancies.
• Support new material development approvals and change management (PIRs, contracts, onboarding).
• Provide operational input for supplier meetings, negotiations, and vendor evaluations.
• Coordinate with planning, production, and cross-functional teams to ensure supply continuity.
• Participate in sourcing activities including RFIs/RFPs/RFQs, supplier assessments, and TCO-based evaluations.
• Support negotiation strategy, sourcing events, and implementation of cost-saving initiatives.
• Monitor supplier performance, manage relationships, and assist with quarterly reviews and issue escalation.
• Conduct market research, financial analysis, and identify optimization or cost-reduction opportunities.
• Contribute to long-term sourcing strategy, risk assessments, and price-increase alerts.
• Assist with global collaboration, information flow, and alignment across buyers and business units.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a procurement support role or related position.
• Familiarity with procurement processes, order management, and supplier interactions.
• Strong understanding of procurement operations and supply chain dynamics.
• Previous exposure to supporting negotiations and contract management.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

Skills

• Proficient in using procurement software and tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Familiarity with global and regional market trends.
• Strategic mindset to provide valuable input in negotiations and supplier relationships.
• Fluent business English; additional major language (e.g., Spanish or French) is an advantage.

Benefits

Become part of an open and transparent culture that fosters growth and development, contributing to the health and well-being of consumers in 160 countries. Symrise offers strong company growth above market rates and an excellent environment for career development.

Pay

The expected annual salary range for this position is USD $108,500 - $117,180. 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.