careers as bold & bright as you
Innovation Manager, Pharma, St Louis
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
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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.
Innovation Manager, Pharma, St Louis
Innovation Manager, Pharma, St Louis
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.
This opportunity is 100% office based in St Louis, MO.
Looking to make a real impact in the pharma and supplement industry? Join Sensient as an Innovation Manager and take ownership of developing cutting-edge excipients and ingredients used in everything from gummies and chewables to tablets and syrups.
In this role, you’ll lead innovation from concept to launch, shaping the future of pharma and supplement ingredients used in real consumer products. You’ll have the chance to influence strategy, collaborate with global teams, manage a small group of scientists, and stay hands-on with R&D—all while making a visible impact across North America and Europe.
What you’ll do:
- Manage the innovation pipeline and Stage Gate process for 15–20 active Pharma NPD projects, delivering commercially viable application-based solutions with regular launches.
- Collaborate with Technical Service, Commercial teams, and other business units to identify portfolio gaps and transfer relevant technologies into the Pharma pipeline.
- Develop subject matter expertise in key customer applications (e.g., gummies, beverages, chewables) to validate NPD performance and ensure technical deliverables for product launches.
- Generate technical content, samples, training, and conduct innovation demonstrations to support product commercialization and sales targets.
- Support customer interactions by addressing technical inquiries, participating in joint visits, and ensuring regulatory compliance of new product developments.
What you’ll bring:
- 10+ years’ experience in new product development or technical ingredients for consumable goods, with an M.Sc or higher in food science, biology, chemistry, or related fields. MUSTbe from the Nutraceutical/OTC industry.
- Proven expertise in innovation project strategy and management, preferably using the Stage Gate process.
- Ability and willingness to manage a team of up to five scientists, with a strong background in formulation and ingredient development preferred.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, fluent in English, with experience working cross-functionally and managing multiple priorities.
- Proficient in MS Office, adaptable to software tools, and able to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.
What you’ll get:
- Opportunity to collaborate with your colleagues, onsite 5 days per week in St Louis
- An excellent salary, benefit offering and development opportunities
- A thorough and effective training experience during onboarding and beyond
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 Pharmaceutical:
- Sensient Pharmaceutical is your single source for color, flavor, coating, and imprint ink excipient solutions that define and protect world-leading brands.
- SPONSORSHIP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the USA without the need for employment visa sponsorship.
- RELOCATION: We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work at St Louis and must reside in area or be willing to commute.
- 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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innovation has never looked so good
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our stories We work together in person to put the needs of our customers first and get results. Be different. Be Sensient. -
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who we are We’re on a mission across the globe to unlock the potential of our customers’ food, pharmaceutical, and personal care products.
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faq You have questions? here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions people have about a career with Sensient.
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the Americas We offer multiple locations across the United States, Latin America, and Canada. Choose the one you’re most interested in to learn more about it and see available roles.
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APAC region We offer multiple locations across the Asia-Pacific region. Choose the one you’re most interested in to learn more about it and see available roles.
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EMEA region We offer multiple locations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Choose the one you’re most interested in to learn more about it and see available roles.
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global locations At Sensient, we believe in the power of collaborating face-to-face, in person. With locations around the world, we offer plenty of opportunities to build the career that best suits you. Learn more about our global locations.
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what we do We develop and manufacture flavors, colors, and extracts that bring our customers’ products to life. Our products positively impact the daily experience of millions.
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sustainability Sustainability is central to our mission at Sensient. Everyone here is dedicated to working together to bring sustainable innovations to the world. This includes vegan flavors, low-carbon products, natural and organic ingredients, and so much more.
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key hiring areas at Sensient Technologies Many paths to success. With a variety of categories and locations, it’s important to find the role that fits you best.
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learning & development We offer a variety of unmatched opportunities for training designed to help you develop your skills. Each program is tailored to specific areas of focus and intended to bring out your best while setting you up for a long, exciting, and fruitful career at Sensient. Take control of your future and learn more about our development programs.
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tips for your application Interested in applying to join us, but not sure how to begin? We’ve compiled a list of tips and advice from some current employees to help you get started.
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careers in research & development Where innovation is born and applied. If you’re an analytic thinker, scientific researcher, and driven winner, our Research and Development (R&D) department is where you can take control of your career.
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coaching at Sensient Having a strong coaching culture is a top priority for Sensient. We are committed to helping our employees grow and develop in their roles to meet their future career goals.
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sales careers Are you ambitious with a competitive spirit? Do you want to be rewarded for your hard work and results? Does your professional success matter to you? If so, join Sensient’s elite sales team.
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working at juneau Discover what makes working at the Juneau, WI facility unique! With a rich history, and a close-knit team of under 100 employees, this location offers a collaborative work environment where personal connections thrive.
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working in st. louis Discover what it's like working at our Colors Headquarters! With a dynamic work environment, you’ll have opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute with a focus on innovation and career development.
