Research & Development Manager - Flavor Applications

Our client is a well-established and highly respected international flavor manufacturer seeking an experienced Research & Development Manager to lead its R&D team in the Tampa, Florida area. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an individual who is passionate about flavor innovation, enjoys working directly with customers and commercial teams, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where creativity and technical expertise come together. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team of four flavor scientists while driving new product development, customer solutions, and strategic innovation initiatives. Responsibilities Lead, coach, and develop a team of four flavor scientists with diverse technical backgrounds. Drive innovation through the development of new flavor concepts and applications aligned with emerging market trends. Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, and customers to create customized flavor solutions. Manage multiple customer-driven development projects from concept through commercialization. Serve as the technical leader during customer meetings, presentations, and product demonstrations. Provide technical oversight for flavor applications, product development, and innovation initiatives across multiple food and beverage categories. Evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and processing methods to improve product performance and expand capabilities. Prioritize departmental workload, allocate resources, and ensure projects are completed on schedule. Foster a collaborative, creative, and high-performing R&D culture focused on continuous improvement. Work cross-functionally with Regulatory, Quality, Operations, and Commercial teams to successfully launch new products. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline (Master's degree preferred). 7+ years of food or beverage product development and flavor applications experience within the flavor, ingredient, or food manufacturing industries. Previous experience managing or leading technical teams. Strong background in customer-facing flavor applications and product development. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication, presentation, and project management skills. Passion for innovation and developing creative solutions that help customers succeed. Preferred Experience Experience working for a flavor house or ingredient manufacturer. Expertise in sweet and/or savory flavor systems. Strong understanding of food processing, ingredient functionality, and commercialization. Proven ability to translate customer needs into commercially successful products. Why Consider This Opportunity? Lead a multidisciplinary R&D team and play a key role in shaping the organization's innovation strategy. Make a direct impact on new product development and customer success. Join a collaborative organization that values technical expertise, creativity, and continuous improvement. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Opportunity to work in the Tampa, Florida area, one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. If you're an innovative R&D leader with a strong flavor applications background and a passion for leading technical teams, we'd love to speak with you about this opportunity. #J-18808-Ljbffr Hunter the Headhunter