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Senior Savory Applications Technologist II

Synergy Flavors, a global leader in value‑added flavors and ingredients and part of the Carbery Group, is seeking an experienced Senior Savory Applications Technologist II to join its team in Wauconda, Illinois. This position plays a key role in shaping innovative savory food products and supporting strategic customer and internal initiatives.

The company is driven by a mission to enrich lives through healthier, tastier foods. With a long heritage in flavor development and a collaborative, innovation‑focused culture, Synergy offers an environment where technical expertise and creativity thrive.

Position Summary

The Senior Savory Applications Technologist II is an advanced technical contributor responsible for leading the development, optimization, and commercialization of savory food applications. This individual manages complex projects independently, provides high‑level technical support, and mentors junior team members. The role operates with indirect supervision and influences both functional activities and business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead formulation and optimization of savory products across multiple delivery systems.
• Reverse‑engineer finished goods using label and nutritional data.
• Apply deep knowledge of batching, processing, and formulation techniques.
• Develop recipes showcasing new flavors, technologies, and design concepts.
• Establish and execute shelf‑life and stability testing protocols.

Technical Expertise & Support

• Provide advanced technical support during customer demos, plant trials, and production runs.
• Maintain an organized, efficient laboratory environment.
• Participate in sensory evaluations and taste panels.
• Stay current with ingredient innovations, flavor trends, and industry standards.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Lead cross‑functional initiatives for strategic projects and key accounts.
• Partner with Flavor Chemists, Account Managers, Marketing, Business Development, and fellow technologists.
• Support customer visits and sales calls as needed.
• Present flavor solutions through compelling demos and presentations.

Project Management & Problem Solving

• Independently plan, execute, and communicate project outcomes.
• Address complex technical challenges using internal and external insights.
• Track and analyze results to guide future development.

Mentorship & Leadership

• Coach and mentor junior technologists and guide lab technicians.
• Contribute to team development while receiving guidance from senior leaders.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of Synergy’s strategic goals and business context.

Travel

• Domestic travel up to 30% for customer support, plant trials, presentations, and trade shows.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science or a related applied science.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years in savory product development or a related applications lab.
• At least 5 years in two or more areas such as meat applications, dairy/dairy analogs, plant‑based products, seasoning blends, proteins, dips, sauces, or dressings.
• Experience with retort processing and plant trial support preferred.

Technical Skills

• Advanced understanding of food preparation, blending, and flavor systems.
• Strong ability to reverse‑engineer formulations and interpret labels/nutritional data.
• Proficiency in documentation and common software tools.

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and effective in fast‑paced environments.

Compensation & Culture

• Salary Range: $91,500–$124,000, depending on experience, skills, and location.
• Synergy Flavors and the Carbery Group offer competitive benefits, an inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
• The organization is committed to supporting employees’ development and fostering a collaborative, innovative culture.
• Carbery Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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