What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Operations & Supply Chain, Pet Food Division position at Symrise AG?
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 €4.9 billion in the 2025 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
In this highly visible leadership role you will be responsible for shaping and executing the North American Pet Food operations roadmap, driving productivity and growth, strengthening food safety and compliance standards, and ensuring world-class service to our customers.
- Develop and execute the North American Operations & Supply Chain strategy to support business growth and operational excellence through transformative leadership.
- Lead site operations, engineering, warehousing, maintenance, and continuous improvement teams across the U.S. and Canada.
- Drive manufacturing performance through KPI management, productivity improvement, cost optimization, and operational standardization.
- Champion food safety, quality, environmental, and workplace safety initiatives, ensuring compliance with GMP, HACCP, OSHA, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead capital investment planning, industrial expansion projects, and implementation of new technologies and equipment.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and operational best practices.
- Partner with executive leadership to deliver operational results, strategic plans, and long-term business objectives.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
- 10 years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing, operations, or supply chain management.
- Demonstrated success leading operational transformation, improving manufacturing performance, and driving sustainable results across multiple sites.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing excellence, food safety systems, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Proven ability to influence at all levels, drive change, and translate strategy into measurable business results.
- Exceptional analytical, decision-making, communication, and leadership capabilities.
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.