Job Abstract

The Scent Technology and Innovation Senior Technical Manager is responsible for leading, developing and implementing the innovation strategy to build the global innovation capabilities and implementing new technologies or fragrance solutions that satisfy consumer needs with focus on Fabric & Home Care.

You will manage a technical team in NJ that collaborates across regions and functions to build competitive advantages for IFF and develop strong partnership opportunities with key customers.
 

You will partner with Perfumers, Scent Design Managers, Commercial, R&D and Operations teams as well other support function departments.

You will directly report to the VP IC&D Global Fabric & Home Care.
 

Key Responsibilities

INNOVATION MANAGEMENT & STRATEGY
1)    Lead technical manager of a team working on strategic or G2M projects; coordinate between internal functions & act as main contact with customers for technical issues.
2)    Contribute to the development of the Category Strategy.
3)    Present IFF innovation & technology to customers.
4)    Work with management & the ST&I team to develop a business case for collaborations & partnerships.
5)    Actively search for areas to gain/improve IFF intellectual property.
6)    Be aware of the market leaders & their benchmark products per relevant category & application and have a good understanding of base formulations & trends to preempt fragrance-base interaction issues.

CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT
1)    Partner with Global ST&I category Directors and R&D to define capabilities and specific skills needed to develop and test technologies and plans to build needed capabilities.
2)    Collaborate with the data management team to define the needs and strategy for future tools for the category to manage experimental flows, data collections, data management and insight generation.
3)    Serve as Surface Care Category Lead with legal team to drive IP insights across innovation priorities and define the IP strategies.

TALENT MANAGEMENT 
1)    Lead and inspire a team of scientists and managers. Work with direct reports in establishing performance criteria & provide feedback. 
2)    Cooperate with peers to identify and develop talent to elevate the technical and innovation knowledge as well as leadership competencies of the organization.
3)    Propose and support training and individual talent development.

COMMUNICATION & TEAMWORK  
1)    Foster a collaborative mindset and build a relationship of trust with internal functions.
2)    Maximize cross-fertilization with team members in all creative centers.
3)    Build global network sharing and leveraging knowledge and best practices.

• 15+ years’ experience in the fragrance, pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, consumer goods and/or industrial food industry.
• Master’s or PhD degree in Science & Technology, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• 6+ years’ experience of actively managing projects / teams.
• Proven record of managing innovation processes and successful implementation of new technologies and solutions that satisfy consumer needs.
• Experience presenting to global internal and external customers.
• Olfactive capabilities / know-how.
• Experience in building and inspiring a team.

Required Skills

• Strong innovation mindset, strong formulation, and technical development skills.
• Excellent leadership and team building capabilities.
• High level of business acumen.  
• Passionate for innovation and measurement strategies.
• Excellent communication (both written/verbal - in English) and people skills.
• Global mindset/Strong team player with influencing skills.
• Consumer and Market understanding.
• Ability to coach and mentor team members.