Flavorist (Alcohol focus)

Symrise; Teterboro (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Symrise is seeking a seasoned flavor scientist to lead commercialization of flavors for alcoholic beverages. You will collaborate with internal food science groups, be responsible for end-to-end development, and work with global customers across regions while adhering to GRAS and FDA guidelines.

The role emphasizes leadership in beverage projects, cross-functional teamwork, and travel to support regional and international accounts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent.
• 7+ years flavor development/formulation experience with regulatory knowledge.
• Experience with essential oils, botanical extracts, and specialty aromatic ingredients.
• Ability to resolve technical problems in flavor systems and drive cost reduction.
• Knowledge of global flavor regulations and production processes.
• Experience working with global customers preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop commercially successful flavors for alcoholic beverages per approved projects.
• Collaborate with internal groups and customers to deliver market-relevant solutions.
• Lead flavor development activities and support regional and global initiatives.
• Oversee first-time production of flavors for alcoholic beverage applications and troubleshoot.

Skills

Flavor development

Regulatory knowledge

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Sensory evaluation

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor of Science

Tools

Encapsulation technologies

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About us

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances and flavors, cosmetic active ingredients as well as functional ingredients. Its customers include perfume, cosmetics, food and beverage manufacturers, the pharmaceutical industry and producers of dietary supplements and pet food.

With sales of around €4.9 billion in the 2025 financial year, the company is one of the world's leading providers. The Group, headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, has more than 100 locations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, the USA and Latin America.

Together with its customers, Symrise develops new ideas and market-ready concepts for products that form an indispensable part of everyday life. Economic success and corporate responsibility are inextricably linked.

Symrise – always inspiring more...

Your role

• Develop commercially successful flavors for alcoholic beverage applications (e.g., spirits, beer, wine, RTDs) as outlined by approved technical projects, using GRAS and FDA-approved ingredients. Work closely with internal Symrise food science groups to deliver market-relevant solutions.
• Partner with key alcoholic beverage customers while supporting BU Beverage, Sales, and Marketing on reactive and proactive Flavor development projects across both short- and long-term timelines.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of specialty chemicals and their application in creating differentiated flavor profiles for alcoholic beverages, including flavor modulation, masking, and enhancement.
• Coordinate flavor development activities with laboratory technicians and collaborate closely with Flavorists to meet customer briefs specific to alcoholic beverage formulations.
• Take a leadership role in beverage (with emphasis on alcohol) projects within R&T and Global Innovation initiatives, driving innovation aligned with market trends (e.g., low/no alcohol, craft, premiumization).
• Collaborate with cross-regional Symrise teams to support global alcoholic beverage customers, incorporating regional taste preferences and regulatory considerations.
• Oversee and take responsibility for first-time production of flavors for alcoholic beverage applications, troubleshooting technical challenges related to stability, solubility, and performance in ethanol systems.
• Train, manage, and/or mentor laboratory technicians, with a focus on best practices for alcoholic beverage flavor development and evaluation.

About you

Knowledge and Experience Requirements:

• A strong technical background is required with a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree.
• Minimum of 7 years flavor development/formulation experience with knowledge of U.S. and international flavor regulations is required for success.
• Previous understanding of raw materials such as essential oils, botanical extracts, and specialty aromatic ingredients and their use in flavor development.
• Able to resolve technical problems related to flavor/systems development and cost reduction initiatives.
• knowledge of flavor production, product applications, sales function/role, understanding of laboratory equipment, and a broad customer base are also factors for success.
• Previous experience in working with global customers is preferred.

skills & abilities

• Good communication, interpersonal and organizational kills
• Computer literacies are required.
• Strong sensory knowledge.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.
• Able to smell and taste flavors with no dietary restrictions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment to balance diverse projects pipelines and challenging timelines.
• Sound knowledge of flavor production and understanding of encapsulation technologies.

Safety/Regulatory Training Requirements

• Safety training for chemical laboratory, Hazardous waste management, DOT Samples

Our offer

Become part of our open and transparent culture. It will give you the opportunity to flourish and to develop inspiring experiences that contribute to the health and well-being of consumers in 160 countries around the world. Putting our employees in focus fuels our strong company growth above market rates and makes us an excellent place to develop your career.

Come join us and embark on a fascinating journey with Symrise.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Pay Transparency Disclosure: The expected annual salary range for this position is USD $120,000.00 – USD $170,000.00. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance.