Job Summary

Are you ready to transform complexity into opportunity and lead procurement strategy across one of the most dynamic regions in the world while shaping the future of Taste and driving excellence across EMEA?

This role sits within our Taste Business Unit and will be based in our Leiden office in a hybrid capacity.

We are the link between Taste and its suppliers-strategic masters of supply chain management, ensuring seamless operations, cost efficiency, and the highest quality of goods and services. Our Procurement Taste EMEA team thrives on solving complex sourcing challenges, forging strong relationships, and driving innovation that fuels IFF's growth.

As Procurement Director EMEA - Taste Category, you will lead procurement operations across one of IFF's most dynamic regions. This role is pivotal in driving end-to-end strategy and execution in a complex B2B environment, partnering with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to maximize value and deliver excellence. You will challenge the status quo, uncover opportunities, and leave your footprint on the future of procurement.

Where You'll Make a Difference

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead and develop a diverse, talented team with different backgrounds and areas of expertise.
• Foster a collaborative, hands-on culture, leading by example and mentoring team members.

Strategic Procurement:

• Define and execute procurement strategies providing strategic direction and oversight for sourcing activities across a diverse portfolio of materials and suppliers in multiple countries realities, ensuring alignment with business priorities and operational excellence through your team.
• Ensure alignment with global Taste strategy and EMEA business priorities.

Operational Excellence:

• Drive end-to-end procurement processes, balancing strategic vision with operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to prevent issues and enhance efficiency.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build strong partnerships with internal teams (Finance, Pricing, Supply Chain, Commercial) and external customers.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the leadership team, ensuring procurement supports innovation and business needs.

Risk & Complexity Management:

• Navigate complex environments and diverse cultures across EMEA.
• Manage geopolitical and market challenges.
• Maintain a clear view of priorities in high-volume and niche scenarios.

Talent Development:

• Attract, develop, and retain best-in-class talent. Act as a mentor and talent developer for Procurement and beyond.

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in Business, Engineering, Economics, or Supply Chain.
• 10+ years in procurement roles, including a track record of partnering with business/operations stakeholders and previous experience in leadership roles.
• Procurement expertise in best practices, tools, key supplier contract negotiations, cost monitoring, and cost modeling.
• Proven experience leading procurement in a multinational/matrix organization.
• Ability to handle complexity-both in products and people.
• Strong leadership, communication, and people management skills.
• Exposure to change management and transformation initiatives.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

How Would You Stand Out?

• Strategic thinker with tactical execution capability.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills; ability to build trust and partnerships.
• Quick learner, able to connect dots and interpret business needs.
• Detail-oriented with a big-picture mindset; improvement-driven.
• Hands-on, collaborative leadership style.
• Ability to mentor and inspire teams while driving operational excellence

Why Choose Us?

• Purpose with Impact: Be part of a mission-driven culture where your work truly makes a difference.
• Inclusive & Diverse Workplace: Join a team that values individuality and fosters collaboration.
• Growth & Development: Access opportunities for learning, career advancement, and personal growth.
• Comprehensive Rewards: Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits designed to support your well-being.

This is a unique opportunity to shape procurement strategy in a global Taste business, working with iconic customers and influencing innovation. If you thrive in complexity, value collaboration, and want to leave a lasting footprint, we'd love to hear from you.

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more