Fragrance Development Head

Happy to present a Senior Leadership role with a growing Fragrance company.

NOTE: Candidates having worked with Fragrance manufacturing companies may only consider applying for this role.

Job title: Head of Development – Fragrance House / Fragrance Development Head

Job Location: Sharjah, UAE

Job Summary:

We are seeking an innovative and strategic Head of Development to lead the product development and innovation initiatives within our fragrance house. This role will oversee the creation of new fragrances, manage cross-functional teams, and ensure that all fragrance development aligns with market trends, client needs, and business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Fragrance Development & Innovation

• Lead the end-to-end fragrance development process from concept to commercialization.
• Work closely with perfumers, evaluators, and marketing teams to create and refine unique fragrances.
• Research and implement new raw materials, technologies, and formulation techniques.
• Stay updated on industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences to drive innovation.

Project & Portfolio Management

• Oversee multiple fragrance development projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with brand and client expectations.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to develop winning fragrance solutions for clients.
• Maintain a balanced fragrance portfolio across different categories (fine fragrance, personal care, home care, etc.).

Client & Market Engagement

• Work closely with clients to understand their needs and translate them into customized fragrance solutions.
• Present fragrance concepts and innovations to clients, retailers, and internal stakeholders.
• Develop storytelling around fragrances, supporting marketing and branding efforts.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Manage and mentor a team of fragrance developers, evaluators, and technical specialists.
• Work closely with regulatory, R&D, and production teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and sustainability goals.
• Drive collaboration between creative and technical departments to enhance product feasibility and scalability.

Operational & Business Strategy

• Develop strategies to optimize fragrance creation, development timelines, and cost efficiency.
• Monitor and manage the fragrance development budget.
• Ensure alignment with corporate sustainability initiatives and clean fragrance trends.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Perfumery, Cosmetic Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in fragrance development, preferably in a fragrance house or FMCG industry.
• Strong knowledge of olfactory families, raw materials, and fragrance formulation techniques.
• Proven ability to lead innovation projects and manage cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience working with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Business acumen with an understanding of market dynamics, costing, and fragrance regulations.
• Passion for fragrances, creativity, and a deep understanding of consumer trends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with both niche and mass-market fragrance brands.
• Familiarity with sustainable and clean fragrance formulation trends.
• Fluency in multiple languages is a plus (especially French, as many fragrance houses have ties to Grasse, France).

Work Environment & Benefits:

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to work with a creative and passionate team in a dynamic industry.
• Access to cutting-edge fragrance research and development resources.
• Travel opportunities for market research, client meetings, and industry events.