Operational Excellence Manager

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavors, food, nutrition, and cosmetic ingredients. Its clients include manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and producers of nutritional supplements and pet food. Its sales of € 4.9 billion in the 2025 fiscal year make Symrise a leading global provider. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, the Group is represented by more than 100 locations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the United States and Latin America. Symrise works with its clients to develop new ideas and market-ready concepts for products that form an integral part of everyday life. Economic success and corporate responsibility are inextricably linked as part of this process. About the role Position Summary The Industrialization & Process Innovation (IPI) Manager is responsible for supporting Business initiatives with driving successful products scale-up for sustainable commercialization, assessing and introducing new technologies, supporting Supply Chain capex process and leading continuous improvement initiatives to contribute to cost saving and capacity improvement. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: A) Products Responsible for delivering the technical capability with the Industrialization and Process Innovation Team through promoting and sharing knowledge and experience to enhance contribution to production safety, quality and efficiency. Support the Growth Agenda by leading New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) phases for successful scale up and first production in Teterboro, Branchburg, Elyria. Extend the support across NA to similar activities in TN&H. The process takes place from the initial assessment of formulas to full scale up, creating procedures, reviewing plant trials, training and optimizing the process. Ensure process safety, occupational safety, food safety and compliance to regulatory requirements during NPD and NPI phases. As Subject Mater Expert (SME), contribute to the quality deviation investigations and define effective preventive actions. Contribute to the Product Transfer process (supporting BCP). Supports Toll Manufacture assessment & start‑up to achieve Symrise's quality and safety objectives to enable continual delivery of products with zero defects. Meeting Customers when technical aspects are to be aligned, presentation of competences and capabilities to support an optimum experience of our product at the Customer's premises. Support Business and Supply Chain initiatives across NA with assessing and contributing to New Technology implementation and Technology Transfer activity, define the user requirement specifications (URS). Work with a global network of Technology SME in Symrise to enhance know‑how transfer through lift & shift. Interface between R&D, Supply Chain (Customer service, Production, Planning and Procurement), Quality, Engineering, Sales & Suppliers to carry out various activities. Define the manufacturing conditions and lead the process qualification (OQ, PQ & CV) of the newly installed or modified Technology. Generate the related SOP (standard operating procedures) and/or WI (work instructions). Do Train The Trainer in Manufacture. Define the New Product Development (NDP) and New Product Introduction (NPI) requirement in IPI for products utilizing the new Technology to ensure successful commercialization. Business oriented, continuously seeking, proposing and applying value added solutions. Use Lean and Six Sigma principles to reduce wastes in manufacturing process and positively impact sustainable quality. Initiate and lead projects that will positively impact the site OEE, enabling the next levels utilization of the manufacturing asset with higher production rates and lower down time. Initiate and lead product and process optimization projects to improve the production yield, productivity, process stability, reduce the process complexity, and continuously improve the First Time Right (FTR) KPI. About You Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Food Technology, Pharmaceutical or relevant fields. Master's degree preferred. Minimum 8 years (Master degree) or 10 years (Bachelor degree) of relevant experience in Foods and preferably within Flavors industry. 3+ years of experience influencing and developing other leaders without direct reporting authority is essential. Experience managing a staff of direct reports is desired. Proficient in process safety, experienced in leading MOC and contributing to PHA/HAZOP. Proficient in food safety, experienced in contributing to HACCP definition and implementation. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is expected. Black Belt is an added advantage. Technology savvy and able to manage multiple projects in a complex organization matrix. Initiate and efficiently drive change management. Able to inspire and influence stakeholders, fueled by Teamwork and geared with Make It Happen engine. Spray drying and powder blending experience is an added advantage. What We 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. Pay Transparency Disclosure: The expected gross hourly rate for this position is USD $110,000.00 - USD $130,000.00. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job‑related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance. #J-18808-Ljbffr