Fragrance Development Lead

Position Overview

We are seeking a Fragrance Development Lead to serve as the technical and olfactive cornerstone in our New Product Development (NPD) process. This role is responsible for managing the collaboration between the company and perfumers/fragrance houses, converting brand and consumer briefs into precise fragrance directions, overseeing the evaluation of submissions, and guiding the fragrances through all stages until launch.

This is a high-impact position aimed at building a global fragrance brand from India that competes with established international fragrance houses.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret creative and consumer briefs into detailed, technical fragrance directives that perfumers can effectively execute.
• Oversee daily communications with perfumers and fragrance houses, ensuring briefing, follow-up, and iterations are managed throughout development cycles.
• Thoroughly assess fragrance submissions for brief compliance, olfactive quality, performance, and brand alignment.
• Facilitate structured fragrance evaluation sessions involving relevant stakeholders and provide clear feedback for further refinement.
• Identify and address technical or regulatory challenges early in the process, including IFRA compliance, allergen issues, and stability concerns.
• Maintain comprehensive tracking of formulas, modifications, and version histories to prevent loss or repetition of development efforts.
• Develop and evolve the brand’s unique scent language and olfactive identity over time.
• Collaborate closely with NPD and marketing teams to ensure submissions align with original consumer and brand insights.

Candidate Profile

• Possesses a trained and refined sense of smell, capable of discerning fragrance notes, accords, and structure with precise evaluative skills.
• Extensive technical expertise in fragrance composition, families, and the behavior and aging of raw materials.
• Highly motivated to elevate the fragrance category with ambition to create a globally recognized brand rather than merely fulfilling briefs.
• Values incorporating Indian sensibilities, natural materials, and storytelling distinctively on the global fragrance platform.
• Proficient in providing specific, actionable feedback to perfumers rather than vague or impressionistic comments.
• Knowledgeable of IFRA standards and basic fragrance regulatory and compliance matters.
• Demonstrates exceptional organizational abilities, adept at managing multiple fragrance submissions, versions, and development rounds seamlessly.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, translating complex olfactive details for non-technical teams and brand narratives into precise technical directions for perfumers.