Lead Flavor Scientist

Company Overview

Bel is a prominent player in the food industry, specializing in dairy, fruit, and plant-based products. With a portfolio that includes renowned brands such as La Vache qui rit, Kiri, Babybel, and Boursin, Bel achieved a remarkable revenue of 3.6 billion euros in 2022.

Position Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Flavor Scientist to spearhead our newly established research division focused on flavor and taste. This role is integral to our commitment to developing healthier and more sustainable food options while enhancing the sensory experience of our products.

Research Context

As a family-owned enterprise, Bel is dedicated to exploring environmentally friendly raw materials to create alternative cheese products and fruit portions, all while improving their nutritional quality. Understanding that taste is a critical factor in consumer preferences, our goal is to enhance the organoleptic characteristics of our offerings.

Strategic Ambition

To tackle these challenges, we are building a research framework centered on the organoleptic attributes of our products, including flavors, aromas, and sensory perceptions. Your leadership will be crucial in guiding a team to develop tools that integrate these factors into our product design, ensuring alignment with consumer preferences.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead a research team specializing in flavor science.
• Formulate and implement a comprehensive scientific strategy aligned with the company's flavor objectives.
• Oversee a portfolio of research projects focused on the organoleptic excellence of our dairy, plant-based, and fruit products.
• Manage a team of two, including an aromatic biochemistry expert and a technician.
• Foster collaborations with external experts and strategic partners to enhance research capabilities.
• Stay abreast of scientific literature and contribute expertise to the research innovation community.
• Analyze the primary drivers of flavor perception and integrate them into our product formulations.

Expected Deliverables

• Develop methodologies to capture the organoleptic signatures of key products.
• Contribute to a database supporting data and AI initiatives.
• Utilize tools to identify off-flavors and their root causes.
• Correlate taste perception with texture properties to maintain product integrity.
• Predict optimal sensory shelf life through analysis of biological and physicochemical processes.

What We Offer

Become part of a company committed to responsible growth, with strong CSR values and iconic brands. You will have the opportunity to lead projects and establish a new research department, working alongside a passionate team of scientists dedicated to transforming the future of food.

Qualifications

Applicants should possess a PhD with substantial research experience, including at least seven years in the flavor science field. Proficiency in sensory and statistical analysis, as well as knowledge of flavor determinants, is essential. Familiarity with data analytics and machine learning is advantageous. Fluency in French and English is required, along with a collaborative mindset, rigor, and leadership capabilities.