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.
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...
About the Role
As Managing Director, you will be responsible for defining and executing the company's strategic vision while ensuring sustainable growth, operational excellence, and financial performance. You will provide inspirational leadership to the organization, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring alignment across all functions to achieve both short-term objectives and long-term business goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the company's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and market opportunities.
- Drive profitable and sustainable business growth while maintaining operational efficiency and financial discipline.
- Establish and oversee strategic operating plans, translating long-term business priorities into actionable objectives.
- Ensure robust operational, financial, and governance frameworks are in place to support business performance and risk management.
- Lead, coach, and develop the executive leadership team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Create a culture where business objectives, values, and performance expectations are clearly understood and embraced across the organization.
- Monitor business performance against strategic plans, budgets, and key performance indicators, taking corrective action when required.
- Champion operational excellence initiatives to continuously improve productivity, profitability, quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Provide overall oversight of all business functions, ensuring effective execution and alignment with company objectives.
- Serve as the primary representative of the company with key customers, industry partners, professional associations, and external stakeholders.
- Drive organizational effectiveness, talent development, succession planning, and leadership capability across the business.
- Lead regular leadership and business review meetings to ensure alignment on priorities, performance, and strategic initiatives.
- Conduct performance and development reviews for direct reports, supporting career growth and leadership development.
- Ensure full compliance with environmental, health, safety, ethical, and regulatory requirements.
- Promote a strong culture of integrity, inclusion, employee engagement, and corporate responsibility.
- Assume full accountability for overall business results, operational performance, and organizational success.
About you
- University degree in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, Economics, or a related discipline.
- MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification is highly desirable.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, with a proven track record of driving business growth and organizational performance.
- At least 8 years of experience in senior executive, general management, or country leadership positions.
- Previous experience working within a multinational organization and managing complex business environments.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate strategy into execution and deliver sustainable business results.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing leadership teams.
- Solid understanding of financial management, operational excellence, and organizational transformation.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to represent the organization at executive and industry levels.
- Strong knowledge of corporate governance principles and best practices.
- In-depth understanding of the Egyptian business landscape, regulatory environment, and market dynamics.
- Proven ability to navigate change, drive innovation, and lead organizations through growth and transformation.
- Fluent in English; Arabic language skills are mandatory.
- High level of integrity, resilience, and strategic thinking, with a strong commitment to ethical leadership and compliance.
Our 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 the 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.
