Flavourist - Flavour Chemicals

About Kerry

About the role

• This role is responsible for leading the technical strategy for the rationalisation and consolidation of our flavour chemicals portfolio.
• The position requires a deep technical expertise in flavour chemistry and offers significant autonomy to act independently within your area of specialism.
• A key deliverable will be to work within a global cross-functional team to deliver a harmonised and consolidated flavour chemical portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive analytical work and technical evaluations to enable supplier changes for the category.
• Review raw material specifications and documentation to ensure compliance and quality.
• Perform in-depth analysis and comparisons of raw materials to support portfolio decisions.
• Partner with Procurement Buyers and the Global Category Technologists (CT) on the technical aspects of flavour chemicals rationalisation and consolidation projects. Conduct new material introductions validation together with CT.
• Compile and manage key flavour chemicals data derived from analytical work.
• Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) detailing flavour chemical analysis and comparison methods.
• Develop peer-to-peer relationships with global flavour chemicals CT, internal flavourists, and technical experts at key suppliers.
• Providing guidance and oversight to Flavour Technicians.
• Seek out and share external innovation and insights in the flavour chemical area with internal stakeholders.

Qualifications and skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Science, or significantly relevant flavour industry experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a technical flavour-related role.
• Certification: On-the-bench flavour work experience with peer assessment. Completion of an internal flavourist training course to Flavourist level is highly desirable.
• Technical Knowledge: A deep understanding of the physico-chemical, aroma, and taste aspects of flavour chemicals and their application in finished flavours.
• Technical Competencies: Demonstrated technical expertise in flavour chemistry, strong critical thinking, and influence skills, along with a strong organisational understanding.
• Personal Competencies: Must be self-motivated with a passion for food and flavour development. Ability to role model company values daily in all aspects of the role.
• Supervision: Proven ability to act independently under minimal supervision and manage own area with autonomy.