Principal Flavorist Culinary

Position Overview

This role functions as a technical leader on important regional projects and participates in global initiatives by managing priorities and planning strategically. The Principal Flavorist actively develops new methodologies, technologies, and team profiles within the region. A key responsibility includes mentoring junior flavorists to build skills and expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a recognized technical authority and leader within the flavor technical community.
• Enhance knowledge of ingredients and processing both within IFF and externally.
• Analyze competitors’ capabilities to identify gaps in IFF’s offering relative to market category demands.
• Advocate IFF’s technology and capabilities within the Creation & Development teams.
• Lead resolution of critical technical challenges by coordinating appropriate resources.
• Maintain comprehensive understanding of global R&D scope, ongoing projects, and schedules.
• Build and leverage a strong global network aligned with understanding of global capabilities.
• Identify gaps in flavor portfolio and technology offerings to anticipate and meet consumer needs.
• Represent IFF on high-profile senior projects with regional commercial customers.
• Exhibit outstanding creative skill and a proven record of commercial success.
• Share knowledge and experience actively across regional and global teams.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills.
• Achieve advanced or expert level knowledge in multiple flavor classes (10 total; 6 advanced, 4 expert level).
• Maintain a consistent record (5+ years) of impactful global commercial success.
• Be recognized globally as a subject matter expert in at least one flavor class.
• Mentor and transfer expertise to emerging talent within the organization.

Candidate Requirements

• At minimum, hold a science degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or related fields; preferably a Master’s degree in Food Technology, Chemistry, Food Engineering or analogous disciplines.
• Promotion background: from Senior Flavorist at IFF or equivalent role at a competing organization.
• Proven leadership and recognition as a technical expert among peers in the flavor community.
• Possess 15 to 25 years of flavor creation experience, ideally with at least 10 years at IFF.

Additional Information

Our organization is a global leader specializing in taste, fragrance, and nutrition solutions, dedicated to expanding natural solutions and accelerating growth strategies. We deeply value and promote diversity in ethnicity, national origin, race, age, gender, and veteran status. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all colleagues can be their authentic selves regardless of religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability.