To assist the Flavor Portfolio Manager with developing, managing and maintaining an effective, viable Flavor Portfolio that meets regional customer needs and consumer preferences across all categories and targeted end-uses. A successful portfolio will provide the benefit of speed, quality and cost-to-serve advantage in serving the developmental needs of the customer base; allow creative and application resources to focus upon on key, significant project briefs; and ultimately increase Tastepoint by IFF project win rate.
The flavor library will address key applications end-uses and flavor types, as addressed by this role. In close collaboration with the Flavor Portfolio Manager and Technologists, this position will assist and be responsible for driving the development/creation, and maintenance of the portfolio, and ensures quality of the library content. This role is also charged with promoting utilization of the portfolio, and monitoring success against established metrics, and continually improving the effectiveness of the library.
- At the direction of the Flavor Portfolio Manager, work closely with the Category Management team, identify needs for flavors within the library for each category, sub-category, and end-use that best meet marketplace and customer developmental requirements, i.e., profile preference, flavor scope, CIU, etc.
- Manage customer briefs to address business opportunities as outlined in CURE project brief
- Participate in the selling team providing demonstrated value and build relationships as needed, both internally and externally
- Contribute to a team approach in project management, taking leadership as needed, and supporting others when needed, maintaining good relationships across all disciplines
- Contribute to the growth of our business, taking a creative and strategic approach to brief execution and contributing to brainstorming sessions and account strategy planning as needed
- Communicate with customers as needed, provide documents to support project work and represent Tastepoint at the client as needed
- Develop commercially scalable prototype formulas with profit and stability in mind
- Utilize food processing equipment to test and optimize flavors in finished products.
- Make flavor selections and adjust flavor levels in application for optimal performance and demonstration to client
- Adhere to agreed upon timelines; Outline and plan projects, obtaining all materials needed to meet project deadlines
- Maintain and communicate knowledge of products and technologies
- Build and maintain a library of application specific flavors for efficient sampling and brief execution.
- Demonstrate proficient use of company software
- Maintain a clean and efficient laboratory workspace, adhering to HACCP procedures
- Maintain an up-to-date inventory of flavors and ingredients for use in project work
- Maintain written records of applications formulas and procedures in notebook
- Maintain accurate and retrievable records of all formulas sent to clients in central database
- Strive to be up to date in technical developments related to application areas of expertise through vendor contacts, technical literature and industry networking
- Participate in tasting sessions and strive to develop expertise and proficiency in the organoleptic evaluation of flavors
- All of our team members are expected to demonstrate professional behaviors and practices of cooperation and teamwork.
- Perform other projects/duties as assigned, including assignment to specific product lines as necessary.
Required Skills
- Must be highly motivated and able to work independently on assigned tasks/duties.
- Demonstrated ability in organoleptic evaluation of flavors and products
- Ability to taste complete range of food products (no allergies, food aversions)
- Flexible to perform various job duties, work with others on a team, work flexible hours when needed, travel to customers periodically as needed
- Should be mechanically inclined and have an understanding of operating processing equipment in the pilot plant.
- Ability to anticipate customer need and demonstrate exceptional service
- Demonstrate computer skills, project management, time management, interpersonal skills, good written and verbal communication skills, ability to build relationship within team and externally with customers and vendors
- Ability to define and solve practical problems, collect valid data, ask open ended questions to determine facts and draw valid conclusions
- Possess proficient computer experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.
- Possess demonstrated working knowledge of SSOPs, HACCP and GMP/GLP’s.
- Dexterity to work with fingers and hands to operate equipment, handle chemicals, food ingredients, and equipment.
- Ability to wear all safety personal protective equipment.
- Continuously improve the profitability and competitiveness of portfolio through cross-functional collaboration, efforts and leadership
- Work with all teams to establish alignments with Operations and Supply Chain, guide and direct flavor library content and availability to ensure timely delivery of products/samples according to established objectives
- Address library performance to ensure effectiveness and utility of flavor library
- Establish and monitor metrics of flavor library against established deliverables
- Manage data and ensure completeness of information in database
- Detail Oriented
- Information Management
- Interpersonal Skills
- Knowledge of end-user categories
- Minimum of 2 years experience in Food Ingredient Sales, Development, Applications
- Bachelor degree in Science related field
- Ability to read, write and communicate the English language
Required Experience
- Minimum of 2 years experience in Food Ingredient Sales, Development, Applications
- Bachelor degree in Science related field