Company Overview

Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is more than just a leading international supplier of ingredients to the global food and beverage industry—we’re a team driven by purpose. Our vision is simple yet powerful: enriching lives through healthier and tastier foods.

We believe great flavor starts with great people. That’s why we’re committed to hiring creative, passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste solutions that inspire innovation and elevate everyday experiences.

Your Role in Synergy's Success

How You Will Contribute

Position Summary:  The Category Manager is responsible for the procurement and oversight of various raw material & packaging categories for Synergy.  These activities include the daily management and leadership of assigned categories, implementing purchasing strategies, effectively developing and maintaining supplier relationships, optimization and cost management, collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders.  The Category Manager will have experience managing ingredient categories supporting the food and beverage industry and preferably have experience in a food manufacturing environment. Categories under management to include but not limited to Ethanol and Liquid Solvents, Food Chemical, Citrus Oils, Colors, Dry Carriers, Food Additives, Fruit Juices & Purees, Oleoresins, Coffee & Tea, Fresh Fruits & Vegetables.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Leads the daily management and oversight of multiple raw material categories for the Procurement Team.

• Develops and maintains relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders for assigned categories.

• Drives cost savings and optimization efforts for assigned categories and the department.

• Collaborates cross-functionally with Planning, Customer Service, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, R&D and Commercial Sales.

• Delivers best overall value to Synergy including an understanding of commodity markets, the supplier base, and internal requirements. 

• Leads supplier activities, including RFQ’s; review of proposals; cost value analysis, new supplier qualification and communication of category results to the organization.

• Establishes cost standards for annual budget.  Monitors costs.  Provide monthly reports on Purchase Price Variance to management.

• Implements and manages flexible strategies and material agreements with suppliers to support requirements.

• Monitors material availability and supplier commitments vs. MRP demand and ensures alignment. Proactively identifies and manages risk associated with supplier performance.

• Monitors purchases to ensure conformance to specification, price, delivery, and quality.

• Carries out other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required, APICS and CPM certification preferred.

• 5+ years of experience in a purchasing environment, food and beverage industry experience a strong plus.

• Procurement skills including supplier relationship management, commodity & industry analysis, risk mitigation, negotiation, contracting, and cost optimization techniques.

• Strong drive for results. 

• Effective collaboration skills with the ability to partner cross-functionally to achieve company objectives.

• Impactful problem solver with the capability to manage multiple priorities.

• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills.  Advanced Excel capabilities a strong plus.

• Experience with purchasing & replenishment processes MRP/ERP Systems.  Microsoft Dynamics D365 ERP system a strong plus.

Salary:  $ 104,437.95 - $ 129,000.00

The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled.

For more information on our benefits click here.