Flavorist

Our client is a producer of flavors and ingredients sold to food and beverage manufacturers.

We specialize in savory flavors and taste modulators. The Flavorist / Flavor Chemist will develop, test, and optimize savory flavors and taste modulators for use in food products. This role involves creating innovative solutions to enhance or modify taste profiles, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as R&D, Quality, and Marketing to deliver high-quality flavor systems that meet customer and business needs.

• Develops, tests, and refines savory flavors and taste modulators for various food applications (soups, sauces, snacks, plant-based proteins, etc.).
• Evaluates raw materials and maintains a strong understanding of flavor chemistry, reaction processes, and sensory profiles.
• Partners with regulatory, quality assurance, and application scientists to ensure compliance with global food safety and labeling standards.
• Collaborates with customers and internal teams to translate project briefs into successful flavor solutions.
• Maintains accurate project records, formula documentation, and technical reports.
• Stays current with market trends, consumer preferences, and new ingredient technologies to drive innovation.

• Excellent sensory evaluation skills and strong taste/smell acuity.
• Strong knowledge of flavor chemistry, processing reactions (Maillard, lipid oxidation), and raw material functionality.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to design creative flavor solutions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication and presentation skills for internal stakeholders and customers.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in R&D, marketing, and production.
• Proficient with formulation software, Microsoft Office Suite, and laboratory equipment.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field (master’s preferred).
• At least 5 years of experience in flavor creation, with a focus on savory applications.
• Strong knowledge of taste modulators (umami enhancers, salt reducers, bitterness blockers, etc.).
• Membership in professional flavorist organizations or formal flavorist apprenticeship/certification preferred.

• We offer the successful candidate a generous compensation package (base salary plus bonus), medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401K with company match, and more.

This job is located on-site in the western Chicagoland suburbs, near O'Hare Airport.