Assistant Perfumer

Mackinnon Bruce International; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Mackinnon Bruce International is seeking an Assistant Perfumer to provide day-to-day organizational, administrative, project, and creative support under a Master Perfumer in New York. You will organize workflows, prepare materials and notes, track fragrance projects, and assist in client meetings and evaluations, with a potential pathway to Junior Perfumer/Perfumer through formal mentorship.

This on-site role requires strong communication, discipline, and a deep interest in perfumery, with

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and computer skills.
• Education in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Fragrance, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support to the Master Perfumer and manage workflow and notes.
• Prepare materials, samples, and references for fragrance development.
• Maintain records of fragrance projects and evaluations.
• Assist in customer meetings, evaluations, and creative sessions.

Skills

Organizational skills

Administrative skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Chemistry coursework

Cosmetic Science

Fragrance

Fine Arts/Design

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client is a global leader within the fragrance industry.

Working directly with and under the guidance of a Master Perfumer, the Assistant Perfumer provides day-to-day organizational, administrative, project, and creative support that enables the Perfumer to operate efficiently and remain focused on fragrance creation and customer priorities.

For a high-performing individual who demonstrates the appropriate technical aptitude, olfactive ability, creativity, discipline, and commitment to the craft, this role may provide a pathway to formal mentorship and future progression into a Junior Perfumer/Perfumer position.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Direct Perfumer Support

• Provide dedicated day-to-day support to the Master Perfumer and execute assigned priorities accurately and promptly.
• Organize and maintain the Perfumer's daily workflow, project priorities, fragrance submissions, evaluations, meetings, and follow-up activities.
• Prepare materials, documentation, references, samples, and other information needed by the Perfumer for creative and customer-related work.
• Maintain organized records of fragrance projects, modifications, evaluations, submissions, and Perfumer notes.
• Track open requests and action items and proactively follow up to ensure deadlines are met.
• Coordinate with Evaluation, Marketing, Sales, Project Management, Laboratory, Regulatory, and other functions on behalf of or at the direction of the Perfumer.
• Assist the Perfumer in preparing for internal evaluations, customer meetings, presentations, and creative sessions.
• Manage administrative details associated with the Perfumer's projects and daily activities.
• Capture and organize notes, decisions, modifications, and next steps from fragrance evaluations and discussions.
• Ensure information provided to the Perfumer is complete, accurate, organized, and readily accessible.

Perfumery Development & Exposure

• Observe and learn the fragrance development process directly from the Perfumer.
• Develop familiarity with fragrance terminology, olfactive families, raw materials, accords, market products, and fragrance applications.
• Participate in fragrance evaluations and smelling sessions as directed.
• Maintain personal olfactive notes and learning materials as appropriate.
• Develop an understanding of how a Perfumer interprets briefs, evaluates modifications, responds to feedback, and develops fragrances.
• Build knowledge of the fragrance industry, competitive products, consumer trends, and customer expectations.
• Demonstrate increasing knowledge and understanding of perfumery through observation, study, practice, and feedback.
• Participate in structured or informal mentoring opportunities as determined by the Perfumer and management.

Administrative & Project Coordination

• Maintain calendars, schedules, project lists, fragrance references, documentation, and other organizational tools supporting the Perfumer.
• Coordinate samples, project materials, meetings, and follow-up activities.
• Enter and maintain accurate project information within applicable company systems.
• Help prioritize incoming requests based on direction from the Perfumer.
• Communicate professionally with internal partners regarding deadlines, project status, information requests, and follow-up.
• Handle sensitive formulas, customer information, projects, and business information with strict confidentiality.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Perfumer or management.

Education & Experience

• Strong interest in fragrance and a demonstrated desire to pursue perfumery as a career.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work on-site in the New York office five days per week.
• Degree or coursework in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Fragrance, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Fine Arts, Design, or another relevant discipline.
• Exposure to fragrance, sensory science, cosmetics, beauty, luxury goods, consumer products, or related industries through internships, coursework, or independent study.
• Demonstrated interest in olfactive training or fragrance raw materials.