📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Scent Design Manager
Company: IFF
Location: Bogota (Megaport), Colombia
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Scent Design / Creative Management
Date Posted: 2025-06-10T00:00:00
Experience Level: 3-6 years
Remote Status: On-site
🎨 Role Summary
- Lead and manage complex Must Win/Mission Critical scent design projects, ensuring successful delivery and strategic alignment.
- Drive innovation within the scent design space, leading strategic initiatives, technical programs, and creative platforms.
- Provide guidance and coaching to junior Scent Design Managers, fostering their development in Holistic Scent Design principles.
- Champion and promote IFF's unique scent creation capabilities and creative strategies both internally and externally.
- Develop and implement advanced creative strategies that integrate ingredient strategies, market insights, and consumer understanding.
🖼️ Primary Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of Must Win/Mission Critical scent design projects, overseeing the entire project lifecycle from concept to completion.
- Lead innovation projects, including strategic initiatives, technical research programs, and the development of new creative platforms for scent design.
- Engage with and provide coaching and mentorship to lower-level Scent Design Managers, specifically focusing on the principles and application of Holistic Scent Design.
- Effectively promote and articulate IFF's creative capabilities and strategic approach to scent design to internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Develop advanced creative strategies by integrating various factors of the scent design framework, including consumer data, market trends, and olfactive decoding.
- Partner closely with perfumers to plan and execute Ingredient Strategies, adhering to category guidelines and utilizing available tools like the Signature program.
- Strategize at a category level, translating olfactive benefit spaces into effective fragrance design strategies across different touch points, with or without consumer data.
- Analyze market trends and product offerings within specific brands, drawing conclusions to inform learning hypotheses for product design and consumer understanding.
- Map market products into relevant category benefit spaces and identify key consumer insights that can drive scent design innovation.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in a relevant field such as marketing, chemistry, or business. A Master's degree in Fragrance and/or Business is highly preferred and would provide a strong foundation for the strategic and commercial aspects of the role.
Experience: A minimum of 3-6 years of directly relevant experience within the Fragrance Industry is essential. This experience should include significant exposure to fragrance evaluation and understanding of the creative process in scent development. Internal promotion from a Scent Design Associate or a similar level in related functions within the fragrance industry is considered valuable.
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to manage Must Win/Mission Critical projects with a strong track record of successful delivery and impact.
- Experience leading innovation projects, including strategic initiatives and the development of creative platforms.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to engage and coach junior team members effectively.
- Very good olfactive expertise, with the ability to pass an internal smelling test to demonstrate proficiency in scent evaluation and discrimination.
- Strong understanding of creative strategy development within the context of the fragrance industry.
- Ability to partner effectively with perfumers and contribute to ingredient strategy planning.
- Knowledge of market trends and the ability to translate them into actionable product design strategies.
Preferred Skills:
- Advanced knowledge and experience in Holistic Scent Design principles and application.
- Experience in decoding category benefit spaces olfactively and incorporating findings into fragrance design strategy.
- Proficiency in utilizing tools and programs relevant to ingredient strategy planning and fragrance design (e.g., Signature program).
- Experience in mapping market products into category benefit spaces and defining key consumer insights.
🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- While a traditional visual design portfolio is not applicable, candidates should be prepared to showcase their experience and impact through case studies focused on scent projects.
- Case studies should detail the strategic approach taken for "Must Win/Mission Critical" projects and innovation initiatives.
- Highlight examples of successful creative strategies developed and their impact on product design and market performance.
- Demonstrate the ability to translate market trends and consumer insights into tangible scent design outcomes.
Process Documentation:
- Document the process followed in developing scent design strategies, including market analysis, consumer research (if applicable), and collaboration with perfumers.
- Illustrate the methodology used to decode olfactive benefit spaces and integrate them into fragrance design.
- Provide examples of how ingredient strategies were planned and executed in partnership with perfumers.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: While a specific salary range is not provided in the job description, based on industry data for similar management roles with 3-6 years of experience in the chemical manufacturing and fragrance sector in Bogota, Colombia, the estimated annual salary range could fall between 80,000,000 COP and 150,000,000 COP (approximately $20,000 - $38,000 USD). This estimate is based on publicly available salary data for management positions in related industries in the region and adjusted for the specialized nature of a Scent Design Manager role at a large international company like IFF. Cost of living in Bogota, while lower than major North American or European cities, should also be considered.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, likely with options for family coverage.
- Retirement savings plan or pension scheme, potentially with company matching contributions, to support long-term financial security.
- Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays, to ensure work-life balance.
- Opportunities for professional development and training, specifically tailored to enhance olfactive expertise, creative strategy, and leadership skills within the fragrance industry.
Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring standard business hours. The nature of project management and global collaboration within a large company like IFF may occasionally require flexibility in working hours to accommodate different time zones or project deadlines.
🎯Team & Company Context
🏢 Company & Design Culture
Industry: IFF operates within the chemical manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on Fragrances, Flavors, Food Ingredients, Health, and Biosciences. This role is deeply embedded in the Fragrance segment, requiring a blend of creative artistry and scientific understanding to develop commercially successful scents. The industry is dynamic, driven by consumer trends, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements in ingredient development and scent creation.
Company Size: IFF is a large global organization with over 10,001+ employees worldwide (approximately 15,032 according to LinkedIn). Working in a large company means access to extensive resources, advanced technology, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, but also requires navigating a more complex organizational structure.
Founded: While a specific founding date is not provided, IFF is an established global leader with a long history in the taste, scent, and nutrition industries, indicating a mature and experienced organization with established processes and a strong market presence.
Team Structure:
- The Scent Design team likely operates within the broader Fragrance division, collaborating closely with perfumers, R&D, marketing, and sales teams.
- This role involves managing lower-level Scent Design Managers, suggesting a hierarchical structure within the team.
- Cross-functional collaboration is crucial, requiring effective communication and partnership with various departments to bring scent concepts to market.
Methodology:
- The scent design process at IFF likely involves a blend of artistic creativity, scientific research (including olfactive analysis and ingredient development), market trend analysis, and consumer testing.
- Emphasis on "Holistic Scent Design" suggests a comprehensive approach that considers the entire consumer experience and product lifecycle.
- The mention of "Ingredient Strategies" and tools like the "Signature program" indicates a structured approach to ingredient selection and utilization in scent creation.
Company Website: http://www.iff.com
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Design Career Level: This Scent Design Manager role appears to be a mid-to-senior level position within the scent design career path at IFF. It requires significant experience, leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage complex projects and drive innovation. The responsibility of coaching junior team members indicates a step towards leadership and mentorship within the organization.
Reporting Structure: The role involves managing and coaching lower-level Scent Design Managers, implying a reporting structure where this position reports to a higher-level manager or director within the Fragrance division. Collaboration across different teams within IFF is expected.
Design Impact: As a Scent Design Manager, you will have a significant impact on the products IFF brings to market. Your ability to develop effective creative strategies, lead innovation projects, and ensure the successful execution of scent designs directly influences product performance, brand perception, and ultimately, business success.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for advancement to higher-level management or director roles within the Scent Design or broader Fragrance division, overseeing larger teams and strategic initiatives.
- Opportunities to specialize further in specific areas of scent design, such as fine fragrance, consumer goods, or technical scent development.
- Growth through leading larger and more complex innovation programs or contributing to the development of new technologies and methodologies in scent creation.
🌐 Work Environment
Studio Type: The job description specifies the location as "Bogota (Megaport), Colombia" and indicates an "On-site" work arrangement. This suggests working from a dedicated office or laboratory space within IFF's facilities in Bogota. The work environment is likely a professional setting, potentially including creative studios, laboratories for scent development, and meeting spaces for collaboration.
Office Location(s): The primary location is Bogota (Megaport), Colombia. IFF has numerous locations globally, but this role is specifically tied to the Bogota site. Information regarding accessibility would typically be provided by the company during the interview process.
Design Workspace Context:
- The workspace will likely be designed to facilitate collaboration between Scent Design Managers, perfumers, and other technical and creative teams.
- Access to specialized equipment and resources for scent creation, evaluation, and testing is expected.
- The environment should foster creativity and innovation while adhering to safety and quality standards relevant to the fragrance industry.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time role with an on-site presence required. The standard work schedule would likely be typical business hours, Monday through Friday. Some flexibility may be needed depending on project demands and collaboration with global teams in different time zones.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Design Interview Process:
- Initial screening interview, potentially with an HR representative, to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit. Prepare to discuss your experience in the fragrance industry and interest in scent design management.
- Technical interview(s) focused on your olfactive expertise, creative strategy development, and experience in managing scent projects. This will likely include an internal smelling test to evaluate your ability to identify and differentiate scents.
- Behavioral interview(s) to assess your leadership skills, ability to coach and mentor, experience in cross-functional collaboration, and problem-solving approaches. Be prepared to provide specific examples using the STAR method.
- Presentation or case study review where you may be asked to present examples of past projects, detailing your strategic approach, process, and impact. Focus on "Must Win/Mission Critical" and innovation projects.
- Final interview(s) with senior leadership or key stakeholders to discuss your strategic vision, leadership potential, and alignment with IFF's values and goals.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Prepare case studies that clearly articulate the business challenge, your strategic approach to scent design, the creative process followed, and the tangible outcomes or impact of the project.
- For each case study, explain your role and contributions, particularly highlighting your leadership in managing the project and collaborating with perfumers and other teams.
- Be prepared to discuss your olfactive journey and how you have developed your smelling expertise.
- If you have led innovation projects, detail the process from ideation to implementation and the potential impact on the business.
Challenge Preparation:
- Be ready to discuss your approach to developing creative strategies for different product categories or market segments.
- Prepare to analyze and discuss current market trends in the fragrance industry and how you would translate them into new scent concepts.
- Practice articulating your thought process for solving complex scent design challenges, considering both creative and technical constraints.
ATS Keywords: Creative Strategy, Scent Design, Fragrance Industry, Olfactive Expertise, Project Management, Innovation, Leadership, Coaching, Mentoring, Ingredient Strategies, Holistic Scent Design, Consumer Insights, Market Trends, Product Design, Perfumery, Evaluation, Chemical Manufacturing, R&D, Product Development, Brand Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Strategic Initiatives, Technical Programs, Creative Platforms, Consumer Goods, Fine Fragrance, Scent Evaluation, Odor Perception, Aroma Chemicals.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Design Tools:
- While not traditional 'design tools' like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma, the primary tools for a Scent Design Manager are likely related to olfactive evaluation, scent composition databases, and project management software.
- Access to and proficiency with internal IFF systems for managing scent formulations, ingredient libraries, and project documentation will be essential.
- Knowledge of specialized software used in perfumery and fragrance development may be beneficial.
Collaboration & Handoff:
- Collaboration with perfumers will be a key part of the workflow, likely involving direct communication, feedback sessions, and shared access to formulation data.
- Utilizing project management platforms (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA) to track project progress, tasks, and deadlines will be important for managing "Must Win/Mission Critical" projects.
- Communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack) will be used for daily interaction with internal teams across different locations and functions.
Research & Testing:
- Tools for market research and trend analysis will be used to inform creative strategies.
- Participation in and understanding of consumer testing methodologies and data analysis related to scent preferences and product performance.
- Access to laboratory facilities and equipment for scent evaluation and stability testing may be involved.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Design Values:
- A strong emphasis on creativity and innovation in scent creation, pushing the boundaries of olfactive possibilities while meeting consumer and market demands.
- Dedication to quality and technical excellence in fragrance development, ensuring scents meet high standards for performance, stability, and safety.
- A collaborative spirit, fostering effective partnerships between Scent Design Managers, perfumers, researchers, and other teams to achieve shared goals.
- A user-centered approach, aiming to create scents that resonate with target consumers and enhance their product experience.
Collaboration Style:
- Close collaboration with perfumers is fundamental to this role, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate creative concepts into technical formulations.
- Cross-functional teamwork with R&D, marketing, sales, and production teams is essential for successful project execution and market launch.
- Participation in design critiques and feedback sessions to refine scent concepts and strategies.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Design Challenges:
- Balancing creative innovation with commercial viability and technical feasibility in scent development.
- Navigating complex project requirements and timelines for "Must Win/Mission Critical" initiatives.
- Effectively coaching and developing junior team members in the nuances of Holistic Scent Design and creative strategy.
- Keeping abreast of rapidly evolving market trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory changes in the global fragrance industry.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Opportunities to deepen olfactive expertise through specialized training and exposure to a wide range of fragrance ingredients and compositions.
- Development of leadership and coaching skills through managing and mentoring junior Scent Design Managers.
- Participation in industry conferences and workshops focused on fragrance trends, technology, and consumer insights.
- Potential for cross-functional rotations or projects to gain exposure to other areas of IFF's business, such as R&D, marketing, or sales.
💡 Interview Preparation
Design Process Questions:
- Be prepared to walk through your approach to developing a creative strategy for a new scent project, from initial briefing to final evaluation. Use specific examples from your experience.
- Explain how you collaborate with perfumers and other technical teams during the scent development process. Provide examples of successful partnerships.
- Describe a challenging scent design project you managed and how you overcame obstacles to achieve a successful outcome.
Company Culture Questions:
- Research IFF's values and recent news. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and approach align with their emphasis on creativity, innovation, and sustainability.
- Ask questions about the structure and dynamics of the Scent Design team and how collaboration works within the broader organization.
- Inquire about opportunities for professional development and mentorship within the company.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Structure your case studies to highlight your strategic thinking, leadership, and impact on the projects you managed. Clearly articulate the business problem, your creative solution, and the results.
- Focus on "Must Win/Mission Critical" and innovation projects to demonstrate your ability to handle complex initiatives and drive new ideas.
- Be prepared to discuss the olfactive aspects of your projects and how you evaluated and refined scents throughout the process.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this design position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Customize your resume to highlight relevant experience in the fragrance industry, particularly in scent design, project management, innovation, and leadership. Use keywords from the ATS list provided.
- Prepare case studies or a presentation that showcases your strategic thinking, creative process, collaboration skills, and the impact of your work on past scent projects.
- Brush up on your olfactive skills and prepare for a potential smelling test during the interview process.
- Research IFF's history, values, and recent product launches, particularly in the fragrance sector, to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the company.