Flavour Production Manager
Torrey Holistics
Leatherhead, England, United Kingdom
We are seeking an accomplished and experienced Flavour Production Manager to lead our Flavour Production Team. This role is a hybrid of technical expertise in flavour chemistry, strategic operational management, and leadership responsibilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving innovation, ensuring rigorous quality control, optimising production workflows, and spearheading new product development. This position requires a deep understanding of flavour science, regulatory compliance, and commercial strategy, along with the ability to lead a high-performing team. Essential Job Functions Key Responsibilities Quality Management, Compliance & Global Regulatory Standards Develop, implement, and maintain the company s Quality Management System (QMS) for the Flavours team, ensuring alignment with ISO, HACCP, and GMP standards. Ensure regulatory compliance with industry, customer, and legal requirements related to flavour production, including food safety, allergen control, and chemical handling, as well as knowledge of global food safety regulations such as FDA, EFSA, FSMA compliance, and other ISO standards beyond those currently in place. Lead internal and external audits, ensuring proper documentation, adherence to certification requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives. Establish and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance process efficiency and maintain product integrity. Maintain all HACCP documentation, traceability records, and risk assessments, ensuring thorough regulatory oversight. Oversee flavour formulation, development, and production processes, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and high sensory performance. Manage nano-chemistry-based production of flavour standard complexes using cyclodextrins, ensuring precise dilution and encapsulation methodologies. Lead the scientific research and innovation efforts within the flavour team, staying at the forefront of industry advancements and emerging technologies. Spearhead the development of new flavour products and complex blends, aligning with customer demand and market trends. Lead the development of analytical methodologies for quality control, ensuring robust quality control and continuous improvement of analytical methodologies. Collaborate with R&D teams to explore novel flavour delivery mechanisms, stabilisation techniques, and customisation for specific market needs. Production, Budgeting & Process Optimisation Oversee and manage the full production lifecycle of flavour standards, from formulation through to packaging and distribution. Develop and refine efficiency-driven processes, ensuring streamlined production workflows and minimising waste. Implement and optimise lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to drive productivity gains. Manage supply chain logistics, budgeting, and cost control, ensuring seamless procurement, storage, and usage of raw materials, excipients, and packaging components. Maintain and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) across all production activities, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Establish and maintain equipment maintenance protocols, overseeing calibration, servicing, and upgrades to support optimal operational performance. Ensure strict adherence to batch control, record-keeping, and traceability requirements, safeguarding product integrity and compliance. Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team comprising junior chemists, analytical chemists, packaging specialists, and flavour scientists. Recruit, train, and retain top talent, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture. Define clear KPIs and performance objectives, conducting regular appraisals and providing constructive feedback to drive excellence. Implement a structured training and development programme, ensuring knowledge transfer, technical skill enhancement, and leadership growth. Coordinate work scheduling, delegating tasks effectively to ensure smooth execution of production targets and R&D initiatives. Champion a culture of safety, innovation, continuous learning, and career development, actively mentoring and upskilling young team members and developing staff at all levels, ensuring that team members remain engaged and motivated. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Development Support Work in close collaboration with the sales, production planning, packaging, logistics, and supply chain teams to tailor flavour products for market-specific applications and commercial growth. Engage with clients and industry partners, offering expert guidance on flavour development, regulatory considerations, and technical troubleshooting. Oversee the customisation and modification of flavour formulations based on customer specifications and feedback. Support the Sensory and Analytical teams in delivering high-precision flavour validation and product testing. Assist in product packaging, labelling accuracy, inventory forecasting, and stock replenishment coordination, ensuring market readiness and compliance with international trade regulations. Education, Experience & Personal Characteristics Degree (2:1 or 1st class) in Chemistry, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline. Minimum 7+ years of industrial experience, preferably in flavour chemistry, food & beverage, or pharmaceutical industries. Proven experience in management and leadership, with a track record of driving innovation and operational excellence. Expertise in flavour formulation, nano-chemistry applications, and chemical stabilisation methodologies. Strong knowledge of ISO, HACCP, GMP, and regulatory frameworks governing flavour production. Proficiency in GC and GC-MS analysis, sensory evaluation techniques, and product validation. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities to effectively manage diverse teams and stakeholders. Master s or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field. Experience in scientific research, new product development, and regulatory compliance management. Prior exposure to business strategy, sales support, and market-driven product development. Advanced knowledge of sensory analysis, flavour encapsulation technologies, and emulsification techniques. Personal Characteristics: Passion for food and beverage science. Thirst for knowledge and continuous learning. Meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively. Valid driver's license and access to a car for team tasks. Salary & Working Conditions Reports to: Managing Director / Head of Production. Salary: Highly competitive, dependent on experience. Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday, with flexibility for project-based deadlines. Location: Leatherhead-based, with opportunities for travel to industry conferences and client sites. Benefits: Flexible working hours, company pension, professional development opportunities, subscription fees to professional bodies, sick leave, bereavement leave, on-site parking, company events, and structured career progression. Why Join Us? This role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of flavour science, innovation, and production management. If you are an experienced flavour scientist with a passion for leadership, problem-solving, and strategic development, we invite you to apply and be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team shaping the future of the flavour industry. #J-18808-Ljbffr