Sr Category Manager

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. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, Symrise has more than 100 locations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the USA, and Latin America. The company develops new ideas and market-ready concepts for products that form an indispensable part of everyday life, linking economic success with corporate responsibility.

About the role

Develops the strategy and annual operating plan of a defined food category(s) within the overall savory business unit in conjunction with the Category Director Food. The role is responsible for the sales and margin development of the defined savory category(s), determining strategic customer and competency priorities, and managing the design, positioning, and communication of the category portfolio. This includes identifying product or technology gaps, defining and managing technology projects, and leading the commercialization of these technologies. Ensures the category and internal project management processes function smoothly and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Develop 3-5 year category strategy and annual operating plan. Establish, agree, and track the delivery of category revenue and profit targets, and participate in annual budget and forecasting processes.
• Initiate and lead programs to maximize and improve profit margins, as well as establish pricing and margin targets for the category and new product lines or technologies.
• Define category and customer priorities, execute the annual plan in conjunction with sales, and assist in developing, positioning, and implementing tactical account plans and go-to-market strategies.
• Participate in key reactive and proactive account activities, including marketing initiatives and relationship management goals. Interface with key client decision-makers and position Symrise with targeted brand, technical, and innovation managers.
• Manage the design, positioning, and communication of the category product portfolio, including identifying product or technology gaps. Define and manage technology projects to fill these gaps and lead their commercialization. Ensure a robust innovation pipeline of customer-relevant ideas backed by sound business cases and financial assessments.
• Monitor, prioritize, and manage overall project flows with applications, innovation, and marketing teams to meet and exceed customer time, delivery, and cost expectations. Ensure project management processes function smoothly for both reactive and proactive projects.
• Interact with global colleagues to share best practices and contribute to the Symrise Global Competency and Business Unit community.
• Understand consumer and industry trends for yearly reporting, business plan development, or adjustments.
• Maintain deep knowledge of the savory market, including meat alternatives, processed meat, snacks, and broth.
• Business travel required in the U.S. and possibly internationally.

Requirements

• MS in Food Science or MBA (or equivalent) preferred; BS in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or Business (or equivalent) required.
• 5+ years of commercial, marketing, or business experience.
• 7+ years in the flavor or food ingredient business preferred.

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 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.

Benefits

Become part of an open and transparent culture that fosters growth and development. The role offers opportunities to contribute to the health and well-being of consumers in 160 countries, with strong company growth above market rates and a focus on employee career development.

Pay

The expected annual salary range for this position is USD 120,605.00 – USD 153,000.00. 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.