Location: Addison, Illinois
Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Salary: $160,000 – $175,000 annually + bonus potential
Industry: Food Flavorings, Ingredients, Food Science
Experience Level: Senior / Experienced
Company Type: Private, Food Manufacturing

About the Company

Our client is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of high-quality food flavorings and ingredients. They serve a wide range of customers across both sweet and savory product categories. Known for their commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, they provide customized solutions to the food industry through collaboration and scientific excellence. The company specializes in water-based reaction flavor technologies and offers a growth-focused environment where professionals can contribute meaningfully while advancing their careers in food science and manufacturing.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Certified Flavor Chemist to join a dynamic product development team. This role focuses on formulating, testing, and evaluating flavors—particularly reaction flavors in water-based systems—for both sweet and savory applications.

A key perk of this position is built-in Creative Time, allowing the chemist to develop new flavor ideas and experiment outside of project-driven work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and scale reaction flavors, particularly water-based reaction flavors for sweet and savory applications
• Create new flavor profiles for food and beverage products based on customer specifications
• Conduct sensory evaluations using qualitative and quantitative methods
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to refine and finalize flavor solutions
• Monitor market trends and technologies to inspire new flavor development
• Work with QA and Regulatory teams to ensure compliance with safety and labeling requirements
• Maintain detailed records of formulations, testing, and evaluations
• Support product launches with cross-functional teams including R&D, marketing, and production
• Troubleshoot performance issues in application testing
• Provide internal and client-facing training on flavor usage and trends
• Mentor Flavor Apprentices pursuing Society of Flavor Chemists certification
• Source high-quality raw materials and maintain vendor relationships

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related field
• Certified member of the Society of Flavor Chemists
• Minimum 5 + years of experience in flavor development.
• Hands-on experience with water-based reaction flavor creation for both sweet and savory products
• Strong knowledge of flavor labeling and regulatory guidelines
• Skilled in pilot plant operations and sensory testing and triangle testing
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently or on a team
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with Sage X3, Product Vision, or E-Book File is a plus

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• On-site role in lab and production settings
• May require sitting or standing for long periods and occasional lifting (up to 30 lbs)
• Exposure to allergens, odors, and food-grade production environments
• PPE required (non-slip shoes, lab coats, hairnets, etc.)

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $160,000 to $175,000
• Annual performance-based bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans
• Professional development support
• Built-in creative time for independent flavor development

Disclaimer

This job description provides only a summary of the typical functions associated with this role and is not intended to represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all responsibilities, tasks, or duties. The actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties assigned may differ from those outlined, and additional duties may be assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes to the jobholder’s responsibilities or activities implemented by our clients that differ from those described herein.

SmartHire is posting this position on behalf of our client, and the salary range provided is determined by the client. Actual compensation offered will depend on various factors determined by the hiring company, including candidate qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity considerations. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes in salary, benefits, or bonuses made by our clients.