Innovation Manager
Our client is a well-established bakery manufacturer that is looking for an Innovation Manager to lead the development and implementation of new color and flavor solutions across our food manufacturing portfolio. This role will be instrumental in driving sensory innovation, enhancing product appeal, and aligning with consumer trends in taste and visual experience. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with a passion for food aesthetics and flavor science.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the ideation and execution of new color and flavor concepts for existing and new product lines.
- Translate consumer insights and market trends into actionable innovation strategies.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, R&D, Quality, Regulatory) to bring concepts to market.
- Develop and optimize natural and artificial color systems for various food matrices (baked goods, snacks, beverages, etc.).
- Design and test flavor profiles using both traditional and emerging technologies (e.g., encapsulation, fermentation).
- Ensure sensory consistency and stability throughout shelf life and processing conditions.
- Stay ahead of industry trends in flavor and color innovation, including clean label, plant-based, and global flavor influences.
- Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to validate product appeal.
- Partner with suppliers and external labs to source novel ingredients and technologies.
- Provide technical guidance during scale-up and commercialization phases.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and labeling requirements.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in flavor creation or food product development, within a food manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of flavor chemistry, color stability, and sensory evaluation techniques.
- Experience with natural colorants (e.g., anthocyanins, carotenoids) and flavor systems (e.g., sweet, savory, umami).
- Excellent project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Creative mindset with a passion for innovation and consumer experience
- Certified Flavorist or in training toward certification.
- Understanding of global regulatory frameworks for flavor ingredients.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.