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.

We are seeking a talented Research Chef to join our team in Hoffman Estates, IL. The Research Chef will provide strategic culinary leadership, be responsible for driving culinary inspired applications using Sensient’s innovative product portfolio and support Sales through training and on-site visits to key customer accounts. In this role you must be creative, results-oriented, knowledgeable, experienced in the culinary field and possess the ability to translate culinary trends into consumer relevant applications. 

What you’ll do:

• Develop commercially viable culinary concepts that show our flavors and technologies' value in food and beverage applications.
• Stay up to date on current culinary trends and industry developments, while creating “gold standard” menu items. 
• Operate and oversee R&D kitchen, manage inventory and remain current with food safety and sanitation regulations, ensuring all recipes and culinary practices comply with health and safety standards.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing and R&D to deliver impactful demos and innovation sessions for customers, both on-site and at customer locations.
• Travel with commercial team to food manufacturers and QSR brands to support concept co-creation and to showcase our flavors and technology solutions.
• Communicate effectively with customer chefs, developers and R&D team to identify needs and co-develop tailored solutions. 
• Represent the company at chef associations, industry events and innovation forums as our culinary ambassador
• Collaborate with internal Application, Innovation, Flavorist, Sensory and Marketing teams to align on culinary deliverable for platform and project priorities. 
• Guide application scientists with culinary insight to ensure authentic, trend-aligned flavor delivery in final prototypes.
• Serve as the culinary lens in internal product development and our commercial pipeline strategy.
• Monitor culinary and food manufacturing trends in the savory food space and translate them into our innovation strategy. 

What you’ll bring:

• A background in Culinary Arts or Food Science (BS or BAS degree preferred) or C.R.C certification from RCA.
• Over five years of experience as a research chef, ideally within a food manufacturing setting or in QSR menu development.
• A deep understanding of ingredient functions, commercial processing methods, and sensory evaluation techniques.
• Strong experience in product application, menu and recipe development, and managing a research kitchen inventory.
• Excellent communication and customer engagement skills, with a sharp commercial awareness.
• Comfort in both a hands-on culinary setting and a dynamic R&D lab environment.
• A willingness to travel 30-50% of the time for customer visits, innovation sessions, and industry events.

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to lead cutting-edge culinary development projects that shape the future of food and beverage trends.
• A dynamic, collaborative environment where you’ll work closely with experts across application, innovation, flavor, sensory, and marketing teams.
• Travel opportunities to engage directly with customers and showcase your culinary expertise.
• The chance to represent the company at prestigious industry events, chef associations, and forums.
• A role that balances creativity with technical precision, allowing you to influence product development from concept to final prototype.
• Competitive compensation and benefits that support your growth, well-being, and work-life balance.

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 $98,000 - $130,000.  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.  This position is also eligible for performance-based incentive pay.

SPONSORSHP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment visa sponsorship.

RELOCATION: We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work at Hoffman Estates, IL 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.