Technical Manager-Research Chef, Sweet & Dairy

Technical Manager-Research Chef Sweet & Dairy Applications

Bell Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
Location: Northbrook IL
Reports to: VP Sweet & Dairy
Travel: Approximately 2540%

About the Role

Bell Flavors & Fragrances is seeking a Technical Manager-Research Chef Sweet & Dairy Applications to lead and inspire our Sweet & Dairy Applications team. This is a senior-level hands-on technical leadership role for an industry expert passionate about flavor food innovation and customer collaboration.

In this role you will guide Research Chefs Scientists and Applications Technicians while delivering winning sweet and dairy concepts that delight customers and support strategic business growth. Youll work cross-functionally with R&D Sales and Marketing to bring cutting-edge flavor solutions to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead mentor and develop a team of Sweet & Dairy technologists and research chefs
• Create and deliver high-quality sweet and dairy concepts across bakery confectionery ice cream and related applications
• Collaborate closely with customers to establish effective ways of working and deliver prototypes that exceed sensory and timing expectations
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for customers sales teams and internal stakeholders
• Personally prepare bench-top samples and prototypes for customer evaluation
• Guide flavor selection and application strategy across sweet and dairy categories
• Stay current on regulatory requirements category trends and emerging consumer insights
• Conduct flavor testing for stability shelf life and recommended usage
• Host customer development and rapid prototyping sessions at Bells Northbrook facility
• Travel to support customer projects and sales initiatives as needed

Qualifications & Experience

• Associates degree (A.A.S.) in Culinary Arts Science or Nutrition and/or Bachelor of Science in a STEM field
• 710 years of industry experience in sweet and/or dairy product development
• Background in food science culinary science culinology pastry arts or related disciplines
• Proven leadership and project management experience
• Strong expertise in flavor applications for confectionery bakery and dairy products
• Experience developing new flavor concepts and managing key customer accounts
• Skilled in sensory evaluation descriptive analysis and consumer testing methodologies
• Excellent communication presentation and customer-facing skills
• Passion for food culture innovation and continuous learning

Why Bell

• You will be part of a collaborative innovative culture where technical expertise meets creativity.
• We offer the opportunity to work on exciting customer projects influence flavor trends and lead a talented team in a fast-paced growth-oriented environment.
• Competitive salary range $120000 - $130000
• Full-time benefit package

Required Experience:

Manager