Lead Specialist, Inventory

Lead Specialist, Inventory, Taste EUR Location: Barcelona, Spain As our Lead Specialist, Inventory, you will be responsible for overseeing inventory performance for assigned manufacturing plants and distribution locations. You will lead efforts to improve inventory health, reduce obsolescence risks and physical losses, and ensure high‑quality inventory outcomes through strong cross‑functional collaboration, analytical insight and continuous improvement of inventory management practices. Your key responsibilities * Coordinate and lead the execution of inventory management activities for assigned Taste EUR manufacturing plants and distribution locations, supporting inventory health, quality ratios and reduction of non-value added stock. * Lead inventory losses and provisions governance with Plant Directors, Finance Controlling, Quality, Operations and Planning, driving initiatives to reduce obsolescence, scrapping and physical losses, and ensuring effective tracking and delivery of results. * Analyse inventory performance and loss drivers, lead root cause reviews, and coordinate cross functional actions to mitigate risks and resolve issues at site/local level. * Use established inventory KPIs and governance routines to monitor performance, ensure visibility of risks, and provide clear reporting and actionable insights to support decision making. * Review planning parameters, inventory policies and master data for assigned locations, flag issues and improvement opportunities, and support agreed adjustments within defined guidelines. * Partner with materials and capacity planning teams to define and continuously improve inventory monitoring routines, proactively identifying and mitigating overstock risks across a rolling 6 month horizon. We offer * A visible, value-adding role shaping inventory health across Taste Europe plants and distribution locations. * A collaborative, cross-functional team environment partnering with stakeholders across all levels. * The opportunity to lead continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste while protecting service, working capital and sustainability targets. * Exposure to end-to-end supply chain processes with room to build expertise and influence how we manage inventory across sites; * A hybrid, flexible working model with accountability and ownership * A chance to grow your analytics and stakeholder-management skills and deliver measurable impact across the region. You bring * University degree (or equivalent) in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Logistics, or Economics. * 2–3 years of experience in supply chain planning or inventory management, and basic finance understanding would be an advantage. * Advanced Excel skills and basic Power Query, Power BI or BW knowledge. Experience with EPR and advanced planning solutions (e.g., SAP ECC and Kinaxis). * Fluent in English, French language would be an advantage. * A collaborative spirit and you’re at your best when working across teams, functions and countries. * A strong sense of accountability and you take initiative, speak up, and see things through. You are responsible and focus on what matters * Strong analytical skills and can translate detailed transactions into clear insights and the bigger picture. About dsm-firmenich At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them. Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life. From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere. And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future. Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together. Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you. And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work. Agency statement: We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.