Flavour Production Manager

Cara Technology Limited; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in flavour science seeks an experienced Flavour Production Manager to lead a high-performing team. This role involves overseeing production, ensuring quality compliance, and driving innovation in flavour formulation. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and analytical skills, with a deep understanding of flavour chemistry and regulatory standards. Join us to shape the future of flavour production and enjoy competitive benefits and career growth opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible hours

Pension

Professional memberships

Career growth

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of industrial experience in flavour chemistry.
• Proven management and leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of ISO, HACCP, GMP, and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team in flavour production.
• Oversee quality management and regulatory compliance.
• Manage the full production lifecycle of flavour standards.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Analytical Skills

Education

Degree in Chemistry

Degree in Food Science

Tools

GC

GC-MS

Job description

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Job Description

We are seeking an accomplished and experienced Flavour Production Manager to lead our Flavour Production Team. This role combines technical expertise in flavour chemistry, strategic operational management, and leadership responsibilities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving innovation, ensuring rigorous quality control, optimizing production workflows, and spearheading new product development. This position requires a deep understanding of flavour science, regulatory compliance, and commercial strategy, along with the ability to lead a high-performing team.

Essential Job Functions

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management, Compliance & Global Regulatory Standards

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) for the Flavours team, ensuring alignment with ISO, HACCP, and GMP standards.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with industry, customer, and legal requirements related to flavour production, including food safety, allergen control, and chemical handling, as well as knowledge of global food safety regulations such as FDA, EFSA, FSMA compliance, and other ISO standards beyond those currently in place.
• Lead internal and external audits, ensuring proper documentation, adherence to certification requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance process efficiency and maintain product integrity.
• Maintain all HACCP documentation, traceability records, and risk assessments, ensuring thorough regulatory oversight.

Flavour Chemistry, Research & Development

• Oversee flavour formulation, development, and production processes, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and high sensory performance.
• Manage nano-chemistry-based production of flavour standard complexes using cyclodextrins, ensuring precise dilution and encapsulation methodologies.
• Lead scientific research and innovation efforts within the flavour team, staying at the forefront of industry advancements and emerging technologies.
• Spearhead the development of new flavour products and complex blends, aligning with customer demand and market trends.
• Develop analytical methodologies for quality control, with the future goal of reintroducing GC-MS analysis when equipment is operational, ensuring robust quality control and continuous improvement of analytical methodologies.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to explore novel flavour delivery mechanisms, stabilisation techniques, and customisation for specific market needs.

Production, Budgeting & Process Optimisation

• Oversee and manage the full production lifecycle of flavour standards, from formulation through to packaging and distribution.
• Develop and refine efficiency-driven processes, ensuring streamlined workflows and minimising waste.
• Implement and optimise lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to drive productivity gains.
• Manage supply chain logistics, budgeting, and cost control, ensuring seamless procurement, storage, and usage of raw materials, excipients, and packaging components.
• Maintain and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) across all production activities, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
• Establish and maintain equipment maintenance protocols, overseeing calibration, servicing, and upgrades to support operational performance.
• Ensure strict adherence to batch control, record-keeping, and traceability requirements, safeguarding product integrity and compliance.

Team Leadership, Training & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team comprising junior chemists, analytical chemists, packaging specialists, and flavour scientists.
• Recruit, train, and retain top talent, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Define clear KPIs and performance objectives, conduct regular appraisals, and provide constructive feedback to drive excellence.
• Implement a structured training and development programme, ensuring knowledge transfer, technical skill enhancement, and leadership growth.
• Coordinate work scheduling, delegating tasks effectively to ensure smooth execution of production targets and R&D initiatives.
• Champion a culture of safety, innovation, continuous learning, and career development, actively mentoring and upskilling team members to keep them engaged and motivated.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Development Support

• Work closely with sales, production planning, packaging, logistics, and supply chain teams to tailor flavour products for market-specific applications and growth.
• Engage with clients and industry partners to offer guidance on flavour development, regulatory considerations, and troubleshooting.
• Oversee the customization of flavour formulations based on customer feedback.
• Support sensory and analytical teams in delivering flavour validation and product testing.
• Assist in product packaging, labelling, inventory forecasting, and stock replenishment to ensure market readiness and compliance.

Education, Experience & Personal Characteristics

Essential

• Degree (2:1 or 1st class) in Chemistry, Food Science, or related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of industrial experience, preferably in flavour chemistry, food & beverage, or pharmaceutical industries.
• Proven management and leadership experience, with a record of driving innovation and operational excellence.
• Expertise in flavour formulation, nano-chemistry, and stabilisation methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of ISO, HACCP, GMP, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in GC and GC-MS analysis, sensory evaluation, and product validation techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills for managing teams and stakeholders.

Desirable

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field.
• Experience in research, product development, and regulatory compliance.
• Exposure to business strategy, sales support, and market-driven development.
• Advanced knowledge of sensory analysis, encapsulation, and emulsification techniques.

Personal Characteristics

• Passion for food and beverage science.
• Desire for continuous learning.
• Meticulous, proactive, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a car.

Salary & Working Conditions

• Reports to: Managing Director / Head of Production.
• Direct Reports: 2x Junior Chemists, Production Planner, Packaging Team Leader.
• Salary: Highly competitive, dependent on experience.
• Hours: 37.5 hours/week, Mon-Fri, with flexibility for deadlines.
• Location: Leatherhead-based, with travel opportunities.
• Holidays: 26 days plus bank holidays.
• Benefits: Flexible hours, pension, development, professional memberships, sick and bereavement leave, parking, events, career growth.

Why Join Us?

This role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of flavour science and production management. If you are an experienced flavour scientist with leadership passion, apply now to join our innovative team shaping the future of the industry.