Senior Designer Beverage / Sr. Beverage Technologist

Job Summary

A Senior Designer exhibits independent application and project planning ability, seamlessly integrating creativity, innovation and presentation skills to provide best in class support to IFF clients. The Designer clearly displays strong finished product knowledge with excellent problem-solving abilities, and is able to establish and guide cross-functional teams focusing on product, project or innovation development. In this role, the Designer works locally and regionally, utilizing established internal and external customer networks to share and leverage products and techniques in the associated Category. They act as a leader and collaborator, training junior team members, and contribute to the regional and global technical strategy projects and innovation programs, working independently on tasks with responsibility for high value, must-win projects (may vary based on business needs).

Responsibilities/Description:

• Independently navigates projects from start to finish, and acts as a project leader in teams
• High level knowledge of recipe ingredients, raw materials and their function
• Develops and improves finished product formulations using knowledge of industrial standards, country specific, and client requirements
• Researches, refines, and upgrades solutions for client projects
• Maintains and continuously renovates recipe database
• Engages management to obtain appropriate resources or expertise
• Demonstrates consistent significant commercial success year after year
• Creates and executes training programs for technical and commercial staff
• Anticipates, investigates, and resolves problems related to raw materials, solutions, finished prototypes and initial scale-up procedures
• Proactive in using new raw materials, advancing technology and utilizing IFF technology
• Promotes IFF Innovation programs and process within Design team
• Contributes and leads technical strategy, Category initiatives and new concept generation integrating technology use and supporting IFF TASTE DESIGN innovation
• Liaises with Flavorist team to use new and IFF approved materials in application to offer IFF proprietary advantage
• Recognizes trouble shooting, solutions, and technology providers to aligned customer base
• Recognized as a liaison and collaborator to Sales, Marketing, Flavorists, Product Experience, GRA and other departments to support project execution
• Drives usage of new technology, promoting benefits and commercial applications for customers
• Provides total solutions utilizing creative problem-solving skills
• Strong creativity, innovation, and presentation skills
• Manages and leads team of Designers/Research Chefs on specific projects
• Contributes to and/or develops internal training/development programs for technical community
• Mentors Trainees and more junior Designers
• Fosters and drives interdepartmental regional and/or global technical networks/relationships
• Demonstrates being a team player, a leader, and/or collaborator in high value and selective must-win projects often aligned to global accounts
• To develop new innovative products to meet the conceptual brief, compliant with regulatory requirements, cost effective and commercially scalable, stability tested and suitable for mainstream production.
• Work very closely with sale colleagues to improve project flow and success rate.
• Manage customer briefs to address business opportunities as outlined in project brief.
• Adhere to agreed timelines; Outline and plan projects, obtaining all materials needed to meet project deadlines.
• Demonstrate proficient use of IFF internal software and accurate recording of the technical data.
• Maintain accurate and retrievable records of all formulas sent to clients in global database.
• Strive to be up to date in technical developments related to application areas of expertise through supplier’s contacts, technical literature and industry networking.
• Participate in tasting sessions and strive to develop expertise and proficiency in the organoleptic evaluation of flavours as well as learning on other IFF ingredients.
• Perform other projects/duties as assigned, including assignment to specific product lines as necessary.
• Occasional traveling is required for this role.

Requirements:

• Minimum entry level is a University/College Degree in Food Science and Technology or related disciplines (such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Human Nutrition)
• Preferred Master’s Degree and/or PhD in related area
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in industrial food, pharmaceutical, ingredient or flavor industry
• 5 years’ experience in the specific field of expertise
• 2 to 3 years’ experience in interdepartmental cross-functional team roles (leader, participant, manager, etc.)
• Proficiency in German language is a must
• Promoted from Senior Designer or entered at an equivalent from a competitor

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more