Research and Development Technologist - Sweet Flavor Division - Smart Search Recruitment

Our client is one of the most well-known global Asian food flavoring and ingredients manufacturer with over 12,000 employees globally. In Thailand, the company operates a regional sales and R&D center in Bangkok with a sizable number of employees servicing their clients in the Indochina region. Currently, they are seeking an experienced Beverage Application Technologist to join in their flavor division in the following capacity

The Beverage Application Technologist will be responsible for developing and testing beverage applications using flavor solutions across a wide range of drink categories. The role will combine product formulation, application development, sensory evaluation, laboratory operations, and technical support, while ensuring products meet quality, safety, regulatory, and customer requirements. The overall duties and responsibilities of this sought-after position are outlined as follows: 

• Develop and create beverage application prototypes in accordance with project objectives, industry standards, local regulations, and customer requirements. 
• Manage and execute beverage application projects across various categories, including coffee, tea, dairy, plant-based beverages, carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, energy drinks, flavored water, and alcoholic beverages, ensuring timely project completion.
• Apply knowledge of thermal processing methods to support product safety and quality across different beverage applications.
• Operate and utilize laboratory and pilot-scale processing equipment, including UHT systems, aseptic fillers, homogenizers, carbonators, hot water baths, autoclaves, and high-shear mixers.
• Plan, conduct, and monitor shelf-life studies to assess beverage stability and performance.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend suitable flavor solutions that meet product specifications and application requirements.
• Perform sensory evaluations to assess flavor performance and maintain detailed reports for the flavor library.
• Collaborate with Flavorists in the development, modification, and optimization of flavor formulations, as well as support Consumer Insight and Market Research (CIMR) activities.
• Work closely with the Marketing team to develop innovative beverage concepts and application ideas.
• Provide technical expertise and application support to internal teams and customers.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Oversee flavor library inventory, ensuring accurate stock management, availability, and proper disposal of expired materials.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including raw materials, ingredients, packaging materials, and other consumables required for application development.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is operated, maintained, calibrated, and cleaned in accordance with established procedures while maintaining a safe and organized work environment.

Qualifications:  

• Qualified to degree level in related subject (Food Science/ Technology, Chemical, etc.)  
• A Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in beverage application development or flavor applications within the beverage or food industry. Prior experience in a flavor house is a strong advantage.
• Deep understanding and knowledge of end-to-end process of beverage application. 
• Knowledge of beverage formulation and processing across categories such as coffee, tea, dairy, carbonated soft drinks, juices, alcoholic beverages, etc. 
• Experience in beverage, bakery, and confectionary development is preferred. 
• Familiarity with shelf-life testing, product stability evaluation, and food safety principles.
• Strong understanding of flavor selection, sensory evaluation, an application testing. 
• Knowledge of food regulations, industry standards, and quality requirements applicable to beverage products.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across R&D, Marketing, Quality, and Production teams, as well as with customers.
• Proactive, learning-oriented, pleasant personality, organized and able to multi-task.
• Good command of both spoken and written English and Thai.