Head of Toxicology, Scent

IFF; Hamburg; Hybrid; EUR 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. The Head of Toxicology, Scent role is based in Hilversum, the Netherlands (Hybrid/Remote).

You will lead a world-class toxicology team, shaping safety strategies for fragrance ingredients and delivery technologies, while driving innovation and regulatory excellence. The role requires a PhD in Toxicology or related field and extensive experience in toxicology, with a track record of influencing regulators

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Toxicology, Pharmacology, or related field (PhD preferred).
• Extensive experience in toxicology and product safety.
• Experience leading global, cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of REACH, Cosmetics Regulations, GHS/CLP, TSCA.
• Proven ability to influence regulators and industry bodies.
• Experience managing budgets and external partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a global toxicology team.
• Define and execute global toxicology and product safety strategy.
• Lead safety assessments for fragrance ingredients and delivery technologies.
• Drive safe, rapid clearance of new ingredients.
• Advance non-animal testing methods and AI-enabled safety.
• Represent IFF in external industry organizations.
• Collaborate with CROs and academia.

Skills

Global leadership

Scientific judgment

Communication

Budget management

Education

PhD in Toxicology or related field

Job description

Job Summary

Are you passionate about shaping the future of fragrance safety through scientific excellence, innovation, and global influence?

Job Summary

Are you passionate about shaping the future of fragrance safety through scientific excellence, innovation, and global influence?

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.

Harnessing the full emotional power of scent, driven by pioneering creativity, science, consumer expertise and a mindful approach to fragrance design.

The Head of Toxicology, Scent role is based in Hilversum, the Netherlands (Hybrid/Remote). Be part of a high-performing, globally connected, scientifically driven team where together we can make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

This role is critical to supporting IFF’s highly ambitious innovation strategy and to protect our existing portfolio as hazard-based regulatory measures continue to expand globally.

Where You'll Make a Difference

• Lead and develop a world-class global toxicology team while fostering innovation and scientific excellence.
• Define and execute IFF Scent's global toxicology and product safety strategy aligned with innovation priorities.
• Lead safety assessments for fragrance ingredients, delivery technologies, and emerging product categories, globally.
• Drive efficient clearance of new ingredients, balancing speed, cost, safety, and compliance.
• Anticipate emerging toxicological and regulatory risks and develop proactive mitigation strategies.
• Lead the scientific defense of our existing portfolio facing regulatory, reputational, or marketplace challenges.
• Represent IFF in key industry organizations and external advocacy initiatives influence scientific and regulatory outcomes.
• Advance non-animal testing approaches, predictive toxicology, and AI-enabled safety assessment capabilities.
• Build and manage strategic external partnerships with CROs, academic institutions, and scientific experts.
• Advance IFF’s scientific and thought leadership through strategic publications to communicate advancements in risk assessment methodologies and promote new capabilities.

What Makes You The Right Fit

• Advanced degree in Toxicology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline (PhD preferred).
• Extensive experience in toxicology and product safety within fragrance, pharma, biocides, chemicals, consumer products, or related industries.
• Proven track record of leading complex, global, cross-functional initiatives and teams.
• Deep expertise in toxicological risk assessment methodologies and safety evaluation frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of global regulatory frameworks including REACH, Cosmetics Regulations, GHS/CLP, TSCA, and other national chemical regulations.
• Experience supporting innovation programs while effectively managing product safety risks.
• Strong scientific judgment and ability to make decisions in complex and evolving environments.
• Demonstrated success influencing regulators, industry associations, customers, and scientific communities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex science into clear business recommendations.
• Experience managing budgets, external partners, and scientific study portfolios.

How Would You Stand Out?

• Demonstrated leadership and an established external presence across toxicology, regulatory, academic, industry, and stakeholder communities.
• Demonstrated success in applying predictive toxicology, in silico modeling, and AI-driven approaches to advance modern safety assessment strategies.
• Proven success in designing fit-for-purpose DART testing strategies that reduce classification risks for strategic ingredients.
• Experience with implementing non-animal methodologies (NAMs), in vitro testing, and alternative testing strategies.

Why Choose Us?

• Lead the global safety strategy for one of the world's most recognized fragrance and innovation companies.
• Shape the future of toxicology through cutting-edge science, digitalization, and predictive technologies.
• Influence industry standards and regulatory discussions through high-visibility external leadership.
• Partner with world-class scientists, innovators, and business leaders across a global organization.
• Drive sustainable innovation while helping ensure the safe use of fragrance ingredients and technologies worldwide.
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing toxicology team and contribute as a key member of a highly collaborative regulatory leadership team, while leaving a lasting impact on the future of product safety.

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