Flavorist (Alcohol focus)

About the role

Develop commercially successful flavors for alcoholic beverage applications (e.g., spirits, beer, wine, RTDs) as outlined by approved technical projects, using GRAS and FDA-approved ingredients. Work closely with internal Symrise food science groups to deliver market-relevant solutions.

Partner with key alcoholic beverage customers while supporting BU Beverage, Sales, and Marketing on reactive and proactive Flavor development projects across both short- and long-term timelines.

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of specialty chemicals and their application in creating differentiated flavor profiles for alcoholic beverages, including flavor modulation, masking, and enhancement.

Coordinate flavor development activities with laboratory technicians and collaborate closely with Flavorists to meet customer briefs specific to alcoholic beverage formulations.

Take a leadership role in beverage (with emphasis on alcohol) projects within R&T and Global Innovation initiatives, driving innovation aligned with market trends (e.g., low/no alcohol, craft, premiumization).

Collaborate with cross-regional Symrise teams to support global alcoholic beverage customers, incorporating regional taste preferences and regulatory considerations.

Oversee and take responsibility for first-time production of flavors for alcoholic beverage applications, troubleshooting technical challenges related to stability, solubility, and performance in ethanol systems.

Train, manage, and/or mentor laboratory technicians, with a focus on best practices for alcoholic beverage flavor development and evaluation.

Knowledge and Experience Requirements

• A strong technical background is required with a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree.
• Minimum of 7 years flavor development/formulation experience with knowledge of U.S. and international flavor regulations is required for success.
• Previous understanding of raw materials such as essential oils, botanical extracts, and specialty aromatic ingredients and their use in flavor development.
• Able to resolve technical problems related to flavor/systems development and cost reduction initiatives.
• Knowledge of flavor production, product applications, market trends, sales function/role, understanding of laboratory equipment, and a broad customer base are also factors for success.
• Previous experience in working with global customers is preferred.

Skills & abilities

• Good communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Computer literacy is required
• Strong sensory knowledge
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally
• Ability to smell and taste flavors with no dietary restrictions
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment to balance diverse project pipelines and challenging timelines
• Sound knowledge of flavor production and understanding of encapsulation technologies

Safety/Regulatory Training Requirements

• Safety training for chemical laboratory
• Hazardous waste management
• DOT Samples