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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Cook up 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.

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.

Qualifications

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

Skills

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

Benefits

Join a company that puts its employees in focus, fuels strong company growth, and makes it an excellent place to develop your career. Come join us and embark on a fascinating journey with Symrise.

Pay

The expected annual salary range for this position is USD $120,000.00 - USD $170,000.00. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance.