Associate Category Manager H&B, Energy (EMEA)

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. 

Health & Biosciences: Combining science, creativity and expertise to develop innovative solutions that improve health, wellness and productivity across food, beverage, consumer and industrial markets. Through our portfolio of enzymes, cultures, probiotics and biotechnology solutions, we help customers create products that benefit both people and the planet. 

The role is based in Asturias, Spain (hybrid). Be part of a strategic, collaborative, and solution-oriented team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration. 

Where You’ll Make a Difference 

• Develop and lead the EMEA Energy category strategy across electricity, natural gas, steam, renewable energy solutions, and industrial gases. 

• Manage an annual spend of approximately €85M, ensuring cost competitiveness, supply security, innovation, and value creation. 

• Negotiate complex energy supply agreements, including long-term contracts, renewable energy solutions, flexibility options, and strategic sourcing initiatives. 

• Partner with Finance and Operations to evaluate market conditions, pricing trends, hedging strategies, and risk mitigation opportunities. 

• Optimize industrial gas sourcing strategies by analyzing plant requirements and collaborating with Engineering and Operations teams. 

• Drive sustainability initiatives and support carbon reduction goals through renewable energy, electrification, and energy-transition projects. 

• Lead competitive sourcing events, supplier selection processes, and complex contract negotiations across the region. 

• Manage strategic supplier relationships, including utilities, brokers, and industrial gas providers, driving performance, risk management, and continuous improvement. 

• Deliver stakeholder communication, market intelligence, and cross-functional alignment across multiple business functions and EMEA locations. 

• Support sustainability-focused CAPEX projects, including solar PV, heat recovery, renewable steam, and other clean-energy infrastructure initiatives. 

What Makes You the Right Fit 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or a related discipline. 

• 8+ years of procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management experience, ideally within energy, utilities, commodities, or industrial gases. 

• Strong experience negotiating energy contracts and managing supplier relationships in complex environments. 

• Proven knowledge of energy markets, pricing mechanisms, regulations, and risk-management frameworks. 

• Experience partnering with Finance on hedging strategies, cost management, and market risk mitigation. 

• Demonstrated success developing category strategies and delivering measurable business value. 

• Experience working closely with Operations and Engineering teams in manufacturing environments. 

• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and market analysis capabilities. 

• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and communication skills in cross-functional and multicultural settings. 

• Fluent English, with the ability to effectively collaborate across the EMEA region. 

How Would You Stand Out? 

• Master’s degree in a relevant field and/or professional procurement certifications (CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent). 

• Experience sourcing renewable energy, clean-energy infrastructure, or sustainability-focused projects. 

• Proactive, resilient mindset with the ability to navigate market volatility, ambiguity, and complex stakeholder environments. 

Why Choose Us? 

• 1-year contract with high possibility of developing your career with us. 

• Play a key role in shaping IFF’s energy strategy and sustainability transformation across EMEA. 

• Lead high-impact initiatives supporting decarbonization, energy transition, and operational excellence. 

• Work in a highly visible, international environment with extensive cross-functional exposure. 

• Benefit from a flexible hybrid working model that supports work-life balance. 

• Access learning and development opportunities that support long-term career growth. 

• Join a global, purpose-driven organization committed to innovation, sustainability, and an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. 

IFF offers an attractive compensation and benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and work-life balance, including: 

• Comprehensive medical coverage for you, with optional coverage for your family. 

• Pension plan to support your long-term financial security. 

• Life and accident/disability insurance. 

• Benefits Club with exclusive discounts and savings on everyday purchases and vacation packages through a wide network of providers. 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering confidential access to a wide range of wellbeing, financial, and personal support services for you and members of your household. 

• Remote work options. 

• Flexible working hours. 

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