Category Head - Flavors & Fragrances (Naturals)

Role & responsibilities

Category Strategy & Management

• Define and execute the sourcing strategy for the

  Naturals Flavors & Fragrances

  category in alignment with business objectives.
• Monitor global and domestic market trends, price movements, and supply chain risks.
• Drive category innovation by identifying new suppliers, natural extracts, and sustainable alternatives.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop strong partnerships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Negotiate long-term contracts, ensuring cost-effectiveness, quality, and reliability.
• Evaluate supplier performance regularly on quality, compliance, sustainability, and service levels.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure uninterrupted supply of naturals (essential oils, oleoresins, botanical extracts, etc.) for production.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing teams for new product development and formulation needs.
• Implement cost savings, value engineering, and risk mitigation initiatives.

Compliance & Sustainability

• Ensure adherence to regulatory, food safety, and sustainability standards in sourcing.
• Promote ethical sourcing practices, fair trade certifications, and traceability across the supply chain.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and mentor a team of category managers/associates.
• Work cross-functionally with R&D, Finance, Supply Chain, and Business Heads to align strategies.
• Present category performance, risk outlook, and strategic plans to leadership.

Preferred candidate profile

• 1015 years of experience in sourcing/category management in

  Flavors & Fragrances (Naturals)

  or allied industries (FMCG, Food Ingredients, Essential Oils, Botanicals).
• Strong exposure to

  global supplier markets

  and

  natural raw materials

  .

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Knowledge of essential oils, botanical extracts, oleoresins, and natural aroma chemicals.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and vendor development skills.
• Familiarity with REACH, IFRA, FSSAI, FDA, and global compliance norms.
• Ability to drive sustainability and traceability initiatives.

Leadership Skills:

• Proven track record of leading teams and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, commercial, and strategic thinking skills.