Flavorist

Job Title: Flavorist

Job Description

The Flavorist develops, duplicates, and modifies flavors in line with project requirements while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. This role combines hands-on flavor compounding, creative flavor development, and technical evaluation of new materials, with responsibility for clear communication across R&D, Applications, Sales, Product Management, QA/QC, Customer Service, and customers. The Flavorist supports both innovation and quality by performing various laboratory functions and ensuring projects are completed accurately and on time.

Responsibilities

• Create, duplicate, and modify flavors according to defined project parameters and customer specifications.
• Compound flavors accurately, following established formulations and good laboratory practices.
• Match existing flavors by analyzing target profiles and adjusting formulas to achieve desired sensory characteristics.
• Drive creative flavor development, particularly in sweet flavor profiles, to support new product innovation.
• Evaluate new market materials and ingredients to assess their suitability and potential for flavor applications.
• Develop flavors in a timely manner in accordance with project guidelines, priorities, and deadlines.
• Supervise and prioritize projects for R&D Compounders, Flavorist Trainees, and other Flavorists in coordination with the R&D Director.
• Maintain accurate and professional communication with all parties involved in project bids, including Sales, supervisors, customers, and customer service groups.
• Maintain a clean, organized laboratory environment and adhere to good laboratory practice (GLP) procedures.
• Assist the Quality Control team with sensory evaluation and flavor expertise to identify and resolve quality anomalies.
• Support the Applications group with ongoing flavor needs across various product formats and applications.
• Record all relevant project, formulation, and test data accurately in SAP and other designated systems.
• Perform scale calibration and ensure precise weighing of ingredients to maintain formula integrity.
• Use mathematical skills to add, subtract, multiply, and divide when adjusting formulas and batch sizes.
• Taste, smell, and describe flavors and food products clearly to guide formulation adjustments and project decisions.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience as a Flavorist or Flavor Chemist with hands-on flavor compounding and development responsibilities.
• Strong capability in creative flavor development, particularly with sweet flavors.
• Ability to taste, smell, and accurately describe food and flavor attributes.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) to adjust formulas and batch sizes.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, or a closely related field.
• Membership as a junior or full member of the Society of Flavor Chemists or eligibility for membership.
• Comfort working in a laboratory environment following good laboratory practice (GLP) procedures.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with R&D, Applications, Sales, Product Management, QA/QC, Customer Service, and customers.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in weighing, data recording, and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in food science with experience working on sweet flavor applications such as beverages, yogurt, bakery, and confectionery products.
• Familiarity with SAP or similar systems for data recording and project tracking.
• Experience supervising or mentoring compounders, trainees, or junior technical staff.
• Active involvement or interest in the Society of Flavor Chemists community.
• Creative mindset with a passion for exploring new ingredients and flavor trends.
• Interest in occasional international travel, including potential travel to company headquarters internationally.
• Strong collaboration skills and a desire to work within a supportive, team-oriented culture.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Hoffman Estates, IL.

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $150000.00/yr.

PTO, 401K, medical, dental, vision, short term and long term disability, life insurance, $1000 referral bonus

This is a fully onsite position in Hoffman Estates,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 9, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $130,000 - $150,000