Role Overview
As the R&D Senior Manager for Savory, you will lead a team of 10 professionals dedicated to developing and refining savory flavor systems, with a strong emphasis on snack seasonings and Maillard reaction-based flavors. You will oversee the full lifecycle of flavor design, from concept to commercialization, ensuring scientific rigor, regulatory alignment, and technical excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, execute, and document all stages of flavor development and modifications in line with established workflows and technical standards.
- Optimize the use of in-stock raw materials for formula adjustments, verifying their stability and suitability for long-term use.
- Collaborate with compliance teams to ensure all development activities meet legal and regulatory requirements.
- Identify training needs for team members and coordinate appropriate technical and safety education programs.
- Oversee on-site initial production runs when required, ensuring adherence to technical specifications.
- Participate in cross-functional meetings with Marketing and R&D to share insights and align on project goals.
- Act as a sensory evaluator in Application Laboratory testing when necessary.
- Provide technical guidance to Quality Control, Procurement, and Production teams as challenges arise.
- Support customer issue resolution by conducting site visits with Marketing or delegating to relevant specialists.
- Conduct experimental trials on Maillard-derived flavors and lead scale-up efforts for viable candidates.
- Stay current with Integrated Management Systems, including BRC, Halal, Social Responsibility, and ISO27001, and ensure team adherence.
- Uphold information security policies, manage classified data responsibly, and report any breaches promptly.
- Monitor workspaces for unauthorized personnel and report incidents to management.
- Track employee performance, conduct evaluations, deliver feedback, and support individual development plans.
- Ensure team compliance with hygiene standards and proper use of personal protective equipment.
- Onboard new hires effectively, integrate them into company training programs, and monitor their progress.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging participation in the internal suggestion system.
- Report key developments, challenges, and outcomes to senior leadership regularly.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
- Ensure new team members understand company policies, safety protocols, and orientation requirements.
- Coordinate with HR and OHS departments to assess training needs, schedule programs, and evaluate effectiveness.
- Communicate workplace hazards, reinforce safety procedures, and request additional training when needed.
- Inspect equipment and workspaces, report defects, and propose corrective actions.
- Ensure timely distribution and use of personal protective equipment.
- Support the ongoing improvement of OHS practices and serve as a role model for safe behavior.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in chemistry, food science, or a related scientific field. A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in developing successful savory flavors—particularly for snack applications—is required. You should have deep expertise in flavor formulation, raw material science, analytical testing methods, and regulatory standards. Prior experience as a trained flavorist, especially with Maillard reaction chemistry and snack seasoning systems, is essential. Leadership experience managing technical teams is a must.
Proficiency in Turkish is considered a strong advantage, though not mandatory.
Technical Expertise
- Flavor compounding
- Maillard reaction systems
- Sensory analysis
- Analytical testing methods
- Regulatory compliance in food ingredients
Work Environment
This is an onsite role requiring daily presence at the facility. The organization emphasizes a culture of compliance, continuous learning, and employee engagement. Core values include adherence to Integrated Management Systems, food safety (BRC), Halal standards, social responsibility, information security (ISO27001), and occupational health and safety. Active participation in training, safety programs, and employee-driven improvement initiatives is expected.
