Director, Procurement Sustainability

About us

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances and flavors, cosmetic active ingredients as well as 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 €5.0 billion in the 2024 financial year, the company is one of the world's leading providers. The Group, headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, has more than 100 locations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, the USA and Latin America.

Together with its customers, Symrise develops new ideas and market-ready concepts for products that form an indispensable part of everyday life. Economic success and corporate responsibility are inextricably linked.

Symrise – always inspiring more...

Your role

Lead supplier responsible-sourcing programs including EcoVadis, Smeta, CDP , Scope 3 and other relevant areas across the supplier value chain. Build supplier initiatives that protect biodiversity, ensure ethical practices, and measurably lower the carbon intensity of purchased goods and services in collaboration with Global Corporate Sustainability team across all Symrise affiliates.

Strategy & Governance

• Ensure the implementation of Responsible Sourcing Framework (Supplier Code of Conduct; policies on human rights, biodiversity, deforestation-free supply, etc)
  Build the Scope 3 roadmap for Purchased Goods & Services in alignment with Corporate Sustainability team.
• Embed category ESG standards into sourcing playbooks

Supplier Risk, Due Diligence & Compliance

• Deploy EcoVadis / Together for Sustainability (TfS) assessments; use SEDEX/SMETA in higher-risk regions.
• Run enhanced due diligence on deforestation-linked and biodiversity-sensitive botanicals; verify EUDR alignment where relevant.
• Prevent adulteration/substitution via testing protocols (e.g., GC-MS, IRMS); ensure allergen/IFRA compliance; manage CAPs.

Scope 3 Measurement & Reduction

• Build the Scope 3 data model (GHG Protocol) in alignment with Global Corporate Sustainability team: capture supplier-specific PCFs for priority aroma chemicals and naturals; reduce reliance on generic EFs.
• Drive reduction levers by category
• Negotiate carbon-linked SLAs and shared-savings mechanisms for low-carbon alternatives.

Data, Digital & Reporting

• Stand up the Supplier ESG data architecture in alignment with Procurement COE,
• Publish quarterly dashboards: category CO₂e intensity, % primary PCFs, supplier risk heatmap, certification coverage, audit closure.
• Support external disclosures (CSRD/CDP/TCFD) with assurance-ready evidence.
  Enablement & Change Management
• Train buyers on cost–carbon–risk trade-offs, IFRA constraints, and substitution pathways.
• Embed requirements in contracts (traceability, data sharing, audit rights, deforestation-free, renewable energy clauses, etc).
• Chair cross-functional councils with R&D Perfumery/Flavorists, Quality/Regulatory, EHS, Operations to manage spec changes and qualifications.

About you

• 10+ years in Procurement/Supply; 5+ years in sustainability/responsible sourcing within Flavor and Fragrance, food ingredients, chemicals, or naturals.
• Working knowledge of GHG Protocol (Scope 3 Cat.1/4), LCA/PCF, IFRA/IOFI, UEBT/RA/Fair for Life, ISCC PLUS, FSC/PEFC, REACH.
• Strong commercial/contract skills; experience with smallholder programs and chemical suppliers.

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.

Come join us and embark on a fascinating journey with Symrise.

If you feel that you fit the above criteria, then please apply by using our online application system. Your application will be treated confidentially.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.