Associate Fragrance Development Director, FFE AMET

Role overview

Based in Dubai, UAE, this role focuses on leading the creation of commercially successful fragrances for client brands across assigned categories. The position requires acting as a trusted partner to perfumers by bringing in consumer trend awareness, creative direction, and strategic thinking. You will also work closely with external consultants and client teams to identify opportunities that strengthen brands through innovative fragrance solutions.

A strong business mindset, along with a deep understanding of fragrance, consumer insight, and market movement, is essential for shaping strategy and supporting client presentations. The role also includes helping develop team capability and mentoring emerging leaders.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of the end-to-end fragrance development process for complex projects across assigned local and regional accounts, from the initial brief through to final adoption, while ensuring the resulting fragrance concepts satisfy both client and consumer expectations.
• Work in close partnership with perfumers, sales, technical development, marketing, consumer insights, and commercial teams to build effective solutions, shape fragrance direction, exchange ideas, and strengthen client relationships.
• Contribute to category strategy creation and execution in collaboration with cross-functional teams including CMI, technical resources, CI, perfumers, and sales.
• Keep an extensive, current understanding of scented products within assigned categories to identify emerging long-term olfactive directions and drive proactive development aligned with market demand.
• Partner with colleagues to design and improve consumer insight plans that deepen internal knowledge and inform decision-making.
• Support a positive, collaborative team culture by helping deliver shared goals, exchanging information, and providing olfactive training to clients and internal stakeholders when required.
• Coach junior fragrance development managers on evaluation methods and trends, while helping establish and maintain high olfactive standards within the team.

Requirements

• A university degree in a relevant field.
• 8 to 10 consecutive years of experience in fragrance development, including work across multiple categories, with particularly strong exposure to fine fragrance.
• Demonstrated olfactive training and a proven history of bringing successful fragrance launches to market.
• Strong creative and strategic thinking ability, paired with curiosity, a growth mindset, and adaptability.
• Comfort with digital tools, plus excellent communication, organization, and project management skills.
• Ability to perform effectively both independently and as part of a team.

About the company

dsm-firmenich describes itself as a global organization combining science, creativity, and purpose to shape progress in nutrition, health, and beauty. Its work spans fragrance, fortified food, sustainable skincare, and other innovation-led solutions that aim to improve everyday life. The company emphasizes continuous learning, internal mobility across teams and businesses, and an inclusive culture where employees are valued and supported.

Application process

Candidates should submit an English resume through the company’s online career portal. For additional information, a Talent Acquisition Business Partner is listed as the contact point.

Inclusion and equal opportunity

The employer states a commitment to fair, inclusive hiring and a workplace where people feel supported, respected, and able to be themselves. It welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and indicates support for candidates who may need accommodations during the application process.

Agency note

This search is being handled directly by the employer. Agency submissions, including proposals that involve fees or commissions, are not being accepted for this position.