Sr. Application Manager

Sensient Technologies

  • Hoffman Estates, IL
  • $158,000-175,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 15 days ago
Job Category: Research and DevelopmentJob Description: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 strategic and hands-on Applications Manager to lead our savory applications team and support the continues growth of our Savory Flavor business in North America. This role is pivotal in shaping customer solutions, enabling commercial success, and mentoring a high-performing team focused on delivering best-in-class flavor applications.The Applications Manager will oversee savory flavor development in soups, sauces, dressings, marinades, seasoning and batter applications, while also supporting culinary innovation and internal collaboration. This individual will be responsible for scaling our applications team's impact across core and emerging business platforms.What you will do:
  • Lead and coach a team of application scientists to deliver impactful technical solutions that align with customer needs and flavor development strategies.
  • Oversee the execution of benchtop and up to pilot-scale evaluations, ensuring excellence in experimental design, documentation and project execution. Reinforce consistency and rigor in internal records, including project tracking, sensory data, and formulation records.
  • Drive active management of applications project pipeline, ensuring alignment with commercial priorities, technical direction, and cross-functional inputs.
  • Foster collaboration and internal partners including flavorists, research chef, technical service, sales and marketing to deliver differentiated solutions that meet customer needs and drive growth.
  • Ensure team accountability for sample quality, timeliness, and technical depth.
  • Guide experimental plans, tasting protocols, and data analysis to support robust decision-making and customer recommendations.
  • Lead capability building across the applications function, through on-the-job coaching and internal training sessions.
  • Develop tailored growth plans for each team member, including individual development plans, skill-building opportunities, and mentoring to ensure both technical excellence and professional advancement.
  • Represent the applications function in customer meetings, trade shows, internal product review, and executive updates where applicable.
  • Champion savory flavor research and cross-functional collaboration with flavor creations research chef, technical service and innovation teams to strengthen solution selling and customer impact.
What you will bring:
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, or related technical discipline.
  • 7+ years of experience in savory product development or applications, with at least 3+ years of team leadership experience preferred.
  • Strong understanding of savory formulations, development challenges and trends.
  • Deep technical expertise in savory application systems, flavor delivery in applications, ingredient functionality, and savory processing.
  • Demonstrated success in partnering with commercial teams and customers to deliver customized and compelling solutions.
  • Skilled in project management, cross-functional leadership, and managing multiple priorities under tight timelines.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and sensory evaluation skills.
  • Ability to inspire, guide, and build a high-performance team culture rooted in technical rigor, accountability, and a strong sense of curiosity to grow and solve complex challenges for our customers.
What you'll get:
  • Leadership role in a high-impact technical team.
  • Opportunity to influence innovation in core categories for top foodservice and retail brands.
  • Full-time onsite role with daily collaboration in our Flavors R&D center.
  • Competitive compensation, benefits and professional 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 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 $158,000 - $175,000. 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.#LI-PM1

Sensient Technologies