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Head of Sweet & Beverage Applications

Hoffman Estates, IL, US  
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Job ID 7046 Date posted 07/15/2026 Category Research and Development

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a global leader in colors, flavors, and extracts. Our R&D teams drive innovation by developing advanced systems, ingredients, and technologies that transform food, personal care, and pharmaceutical products. Join us to be part of a dynamic group shaping the future across a variety of teams, including:

Analytics Team: Lead flavor research and analysis using instrumentation like HPLC, GC, and GC-MS. Improve and develop lab workflows and methodologies. Mentor staff to ensure both technical excellence and financial success through collaborative efforts.

Flavor Creation Team: Develop innovative flavors across diverse market segments, including Beverage, Savory, and Sweet. Work closely with customers and our Applications Teams to deliver impactful, tailored solutions which drive growth and exceed market expectations.

Sensory Team: Design and execute sensory and consumer research to provide in-depth understanding of products and consumers for product development, optimization and maintenance. Conduct panels and apply statistical analysis to deliver actionable insights. Lead training of cross-functional teams and customers in flavor language.

Innovation Team: Utilize scientific expertise to develop cutting-edge ingredients, formulations, and technologies. Contribute to groundbreaking product advancements. Collaborate with a global network of Sensient scientists to shape our industry's future.

Applications Team: Partner with customers in labs and at their facilities to bring their product visions to life. Solve challenges, provide creative solutions to deliver innovative products which align with customer goals across various industries.

  • Job Type: Full Time
  • Job Level: Entry, Mid, Senior
  • Travel : Depends on Role

success profile

We are looking for team members who are:

  • Results-focused
  • Collaborative
  • Skilled communicators
  • Analytically rigorous
  • Detail-oriented
  • Intensely curious

Your journey

career path

This is a sample of the R&D Career paths at Sensient.

  • Lab Technician
  • Application Scientist (multiple levels)
  • Technical Service Manager (multiple levels)
  • Technical Director
  • Senior Technical Director or
  • Innovation Intern
  • Innovation Associate (multiple levels)
  • Innovation Scientist (multiple levels)
  • Innovations Manager

cultural points

The Sensient Six are the core values that drive us in our mission.

  • Entrepreneurial
  • Customer focused
  • Develop self and others
  • Collaborative
  • Results driven
  • Know your job
My job gives me the unique opportunity to develop products that I feel passionate about. Being part of an international team, with access to so much know-how and the most innovative technologies, encourages me every day to do my best and to drive innovation.
Lisa Innovation Manager, Germany

Head of Sweet & Beverage Applications

Hoffman Estates, IL, US  
Job ID 7046 Date posted July 14, 2026 Job Category Research and Development

Head of Sweet & Beverage Applications

At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in the science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you.

Position Summary

If you are passionate about turning innovative flavor ideas into exceptional food and beverage experiences, this is an opportunity to lead a talented technical team while shaping products that delight customers. As the Sweet and Beverage Applications Manager, you will combine technical expertise, leadership, and collaboration to guide flavor application development across sweet and beverage categories. This position is based onsite and offers the opportunity to work closely with cross functional teams, customers, and product developers to bring new concepts to life.

What you'll do

•    Lead and develop a team of application scientists creating finished product prototypes across sweet and beverage categories, including ice cream, bakery, and     beverages.
•    Partner with flavor creation, innovation, sales, and marketing teams to support customer projects and deliver successful product solutions.
•    Serve as a senior technical resource for customers by leading product tastings, collaborative workshops, and technical presentations.
•    Guide the evaluation of flavor performance to ensure excellent taste, stability, and value in finished products.
•    Build a collaborative team culture that connects flavor development with food and beverage application expertise.
•    Strengthen application laboratory capabilities through product testing, prototyping, and continuous improvement.


What you'll bring

•    Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
•    10+ years’ experience working in a food or beverage application laboratory
•    5+ years’ experience leading technical teams.
•    Strong knowledge of flavor systems and their performance in sweet and beverage products.
•    Understanding of ingredient interactions, food processing, and commercial product development.
•    Excellent project management, organization, and communication skills with strong attention to detail.
•    Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while motivating and developing others.
•    Ability to stand for extended periods and occasionally lift up to twenty-five pounds.


What you'll get

•    Opportunity to lead a highly skilled technical team and influence innovative product development.
•    Collaborative work with experts across flavor creation, innovation, sales, and marketing.
•    Direct engagement with customers through product demonstrations, tastings, and collaborative development sessions.
•    A dynamic onsite environment where technical expertise and creativity come together.
•    Competitive annual salary ranging from one hundred ninety-five thousand dollars to two hundred ten thousand dollars, based on experience and qualifications.

About Sensient

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.

About Sensient Flavors

Sensient Flavors offers innovative, global taste solutions and specialized flavor delivery systems that help bring life to your food and beverage products. Our leading-edge technologies reflect our core philosophies to be dynamic and innovative and to add value to your applications.

The salary range for this position is $195,000 -$210,000.  Pay within the range is based on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to, education, work experience, specialized training, and labor market conditions.  In addition to salary, Sensient is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families.  

THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.

Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

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