Your role
Position Summary:

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 of the category. The role manages a team of 2-3 Category Managers and is responsible for the design, positioning and communication of the category portfolio to meet the needs of the market, including identifying any product/technology gaps. This position will drive the core listing process with sales, negotiate favorable terms and interface with the legal department. Savory food mindset and drive P&L.

Category Strategy, Operating Plans and Execution: Develops the category strategy and annual operating plans as appropriate. Executes the plan in conjunction with Sales, Innovations and Marketing ensuring all financial targets are met.

Category Understanding: Develops and maintains superior category understanding (Consumers, Customer Brands and Strategies and Application and Technology interactions).

Category Leadership : Leads a team of 2-3 Category Managers to drive financial performance and proactive initiatives across the assigned categories.

Sales and Business Development: Assists sales in the development and implementation of account plans including direct customer presentations, customer negotiations as well as helping to shape and define new sales opportunities.

Essential Functions:
A. 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 Sr. management updates on progress, barriers to success and market dynamics impacting the category plan.

B. 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 which are customer, consumer and brand relevant, set us apart from our competition and supports winning submissions.

C. Provide a leading role in the direction, development and management of the applications group. Ensure the applications group has the right level of skills and training and provide a leading role in the development of an agile, creative and fast paced wining organization for the defined categories. Ensure we meet and exceed our customers' time, delivery and cost expectations and our project management processes function smoothly and efficiently.

D. Together with sales directly participate in key reactive and proactive account activities, including marketing initiatives and relationship management goals. Interface and build relationships with identified key client decision makers and position Symrise with targeted brand, technical and innovation managers. The role is a key part of our business development process.

E. Lead the Category team to ensure alignment of strategy and approach across all categories within area responsibility. Mentor and grow direct reports. Monitor and enhance their individual growth as well as that of their assigned categories.

About you
Knowledge and Experience Requirements:
• MS Food Science or MBA Business equivalent or higher preferred
• BS Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering or Business or equivalent required
• 5 + years commercial or business experience
• 10 + years in the flavor or food ingredient business preferred

Skills & Abilities:

Savory food mindset and drive P&L
• A high degree of entrepreneurial spirit and energy
• Strong leadership and team building skills
• Ability to think strategically and see the "big picture."
• Strong presentation skills and public speaking ability.
• Strong negotiation skills required
• Maturity in judgment, tact and timeliness.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); Lotus Notes and SAP a plus.
Safety/Regulatory Training Requirements
DOT/HAZMAT, Normal company ISO, safety, and regulatory training.
Working Conditions:
Normal office environment. Requires tasting and evaluation of various beverage products. Must be willing and able to taste and smell flavors. U.S./International travel required.

Our offer
Become part of our open and transparent culture. It will give you the opportunity to flourish and to develop inspiring experiences that contribute to the health and well-being of consumers in 160 countries around the world. Putting our employees in focus fuels our strong company growth above market rates and makes us an excellent place to develop your career.