Fragrance Innovation Senior Associate

Fragrance Innovation Senior Associate

Temporary 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fragrance innovation projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring new products to market.
  • Company: Join Vestacy, a dynamic company transforming homes with trusted brands.
  • Benefits: Enjoy career growth opportunities, mental wellbeing support, and access to an online learning academy.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of equality and collaboration, where your ideas can shape the future.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in fragrance innovation while working in a supportive and entrepreneurial environment.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in fragrance or FMCG, strong project management and communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

About us

Vestacy is a standalone company (carved out from Reckitt) with a clear purpose: to transform houses into homes.

We’re home to some of the world’s most trusted brands (Air Wick, Calgon, Cillit Bang, and Mortein) helping millions of people care for the spaces they live in every day.

Backed by Advent, a leading global private equity firm, we have the freedom to think big and move fast.

With almost 3,000 colleagues across 20+ countries, we see every person as a Founder, empowered to make bold decisions and shape what’s next.

We care for our company the way you care for your own home: with energy, passion, and pride.

Here, you’ll find space to grow, opportunities to lead, and the support to thrive.

Together, we’re building something extraordinary.

Research & Development

In Research and Development, we're full of highly skilled talents - all working to create cleaner homes.

We continually seek out new opportunities by using science, our entrepreneurial flare and our fearless innovation to develop and enhance our existing portfolio, never compromising on quality or performance.

We do the right thing, always, by ensuring we act with responsibility and integrity, by complying with regulatory legislation across the globe, whilst ensuring our products are safe for our consumers and are to the highest quality.

The size of our organisation means you'll have the opportunity to learn and work in different functions within R&D, giving you exposure to different disciplines, teams and environments.

You will also have access to our Research and Development Academy, designed to develop our team and allow you to grow in our great organisation.

About the role

This position is a 12 month FTC

Senior Associate, Fragrance Innovation role is to cover the Fragrance Innovation lead period of maternity leave.

The role comprises of managing existing upstream innovation projects, this includes internal and external development partners and relationships & key stake holders within the Vestacy organisation.

The role will report to the Head of Air Care whom will provide guidance and support.

This role will also require close relationships between Global and local regulatory, safety and sustainability teams to ensure compliance across our portfolio.

  • Your responsibilities
  • Take a proactive and entrepreneurial approach to engaging with cross-functional category leads and key R&D colleagues, adopting an integrated and agile mindset as a critical partner in delivering the multi-category innovation pipeline.
  • Manage the end-to-end scoping, planning and execution of multi-category innovation projects and pipeline activities.
  • Support the end-to‑end delivery of portfolio initiatives and front‑end innovation opportunities, ensuring projects are optimised and successfully brought to market through effective stakeholder and development partner collaboration.
  • Support the development, refinement and amendment of innovation briefs, ensuring best‑practice briefing principles are followed to maximise outcomes from fragrance house partners and internal teams.
  • Ensure all fragrance briefs and recommendations comply with current safety and regulatory requirements, partnering closely with functional experts to achieve a right‑first‑time approach and align with global fragrance partner frameworks.
  • Collaborate across R&D to ensure sensory, consumer and performance testing best practices are applied when validating new innovation concepts and product developments.
  • Work closely with the Fragrance Innovation Manager, Sensory Enrichment, R&D and Global Marketing Design teams to enable the rapid execution and roll‑out of innovation initiatives across multiple categories and brands.
  • Support fragrance evaluation activities, including olfactive assessment and performance reviews throughout product stability programmes.
  • Coordinate project activities and timelines, ensuring milestones are achieved and stakeholders remain aligned throughout the innovation process.
  • Prepare and manage supporting project documentation, including safety paperwork, fragrance submissions, olfactive triangle testing, presentations and project reviews.
  • Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders including Fragrance, Consumer Science, Insights & Analytics, Marketing, R&D, Regulatory, Safety, Quality and Supply Chain teams, as well as external fragrance house partners.
  • Support the development and execution of innovation pipeline strategies that deliver differentiated consumer experiences and commercial value across the portfolio.
  • Maintain awareness of evolving safety, regulatory and technology landscapes to support compliance and future innovation opportunities.
  • Effectively manage complex stakeholder interfaces, timelines and key milestones, operating successfully within a global matrix environment.
  • The experience we’re looking for
  • Minimum 5 years + experience within a Flavour or Fragrance House and/or 5years + experience working within FMCG environment working on global brands, innovation or product development.

Ideally with experience applying product innovation, preferably within a fragrance or flavour led brand - for consumers across both developed and developing markets

  • 5 years + of proven Project Management experience within a cross‑functional, international and multi‑cultural environment.
  • 5+ years fragrance evaluation experience ideally with personal care and/ or home fragrance and/ or laundry.
  • Strong influencing, networking, partnership and communication skills
  • Strong business experience including commercial/marketing strategy, consumer understanding and sensory testing
  • Experience in vendor / supplier relationship management.

What we offer

We believe great work deserves great rewards.

That’s why we offer numerous local benefits and global benefits designed to help you grow and thrive, such as career mobility opportunities, a referral program, access to our online learning academy, mental wellbeing support, and short-term bonus incentives.

Equality

We believe the best teams are built like great homes: on strong foundations and room to grow.

That’s why we hire for potential as well as experience.

We’re committed to equal opportunity for all, regardless of age, ability, background, identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Together, we create a space where everyone can thrive.

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Fragrance Innovation Senior Associate employer: Vestacy

At Vestacy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that empowers our employees to take ownership and drive innovation. With a vibrant work culture that values collaboration and personal growth, we offer extensive career mobility opportunities, access to our Research and Development Academy, and a commitment to mental wellbeing support. Join us in transforming houses into homes while enjoying the benefits of working with some of the world's most trusted brands in a dynamic and supportive environment.

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Contact Details:

Vestacy Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Fragrance Innovation Senior Associate

Get Involved in Local Events

Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Vestacy face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!

Join Industry-Specific Groups

Dive into social media groups and forums focused on food science and technology. Networking with professionals already in the game can help us get the inside scoop on temporary roles, including those at Vestacy.

Consider Seasonal Opportunities

Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Vestacy during these periods, as they often look for extra support.

Got Skills? Show Them Off!

If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Vestacy. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!

We think you need these skills to ace Fragrance Innovation Senior Associate

Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Compassion
Flexibility
Organizational Skills
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Vestacy immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Vestacy – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at Vestacy

Brush Up on Food Safety Standards

In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!

Prepare for Practical Scenarios

Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Vestacy. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.

Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends

Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Vestacy's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.

Highlight the Learning Experience

Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!