Functional Perfumer

Roles & Responsibilities

Job Summary:

We are seeking a talented Functional Perfumer with a deep understanding of fragrance chemistry and consumer products to join our innovative team. The ideal candidate will specialize in creating fragrances that not only enhance the sensory experience but also meet the specific functional requirements of personal care, home care, and industrial products. This role blends creativity with technical expertise to develop scents that perform well in various formulations while maintaining product integrity and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create, formulate, and test fragrances for a wide range of functional products, such as deodorants, shampoos, soaps, detergents, air fresheners, and candles.
• Work with a wide range of fragrance materials (natural and synthetic) to develop balanced and stable scents that perform well in different environments and formulations.
• Ensure that fragrances last, retain their quality, and interact well with the functional ingredients in the product, such as surfactants, preservatives, and emulsifiers.
• Develop custom fragrances tailored to clients' needs, considering their target market, product type, and budget constraints.
• Test fragrances for longevity, stability, and performance in various product formats (e.g., solid, liquid, aerosol). Ensure the fragrance maintains its integrity throughout the product's lifecycle.
• Conduct sensory testing and evaluations of fragrances, ensuring they meet consumer preferences for scent strength, texture, and overall experience.
• Ensure all fragrance formulations comply with industry standards and regulations, such as IFRA (International Fragrance Association), REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals), and local product safety regulations.
• Collaborate with the product development and R&D teams to integrate the fragrance into formulations while considering stability, efficacy, and performance.
• Work closely with clients to understand their functional requirements and offer scent solutions that align with their brand, product goals, and target consumers.
• Work with marketing, packaging, and production teams to ensure that the fragrance complements the overall product experience and meets consumer expectations.
• Stay up to date with the latest trends in fragrances, consumer preferences, and functional product innovations, identifying new opportunities for fragrance development.
• Research consumer feedback and emerging market trends to inform the development of new fragrances and improve existing products.
• Maintain detailed records of fragrance formulations, testing results, and any modifications made during the development process.
• Prepare regular reports for management on fragrance development progress, challenges, and performance analysis.

Job Qualifications:

• Degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or Fragrance Engineering. Formal perfumery training from a recognized institution (e.g., ISIPCA, Givaudan, IFF Academy) is highly desirable.
• 3–5 years of experience as a perfumer, with a focus on functional or consumer goods fragrances (personal care, home care, cleaning products, etc.).
• In-depth knowledge of fragrance materials, raw materials, and their functionality in different product types.
• Ability to work with product chemists to integrate fragrances into formulations while considering performance and stability.
• Strong sensory evaluation skills and experience in fragrance performance testing.
• Familiarity with industry regulations (e.g., IFRA, REACH, and other regulatory standards).
• Familiarity with modern perfume creation tools and fragrance creation software.
• Proficiency in English / Chinese (and other languages, if applicable) is preferred.
• Ability to develop unique fragrances that balance creativity and functionality.
• Strong technical knowledge of fragrance materials and how they interact with other ingredients in consumer products.
• Ability to troubleshoot challenges related to scent stability, formulation compatibility, and performance testing.
• Excellent team player with the ability to work across departments (e.g., R&D, marketing, production).
• Precise, methodical approach to fragrance formulation, testing, and documentation.
• Understanding of consumer needs, preferences, and how fragrances can enhance product experiences.
• Experience with sustainable or eco-friendly fragrance materials and green chemistry initiatives.
• Experience with high-volume production and scaling up fragrance formulations.
• Knowledge of market segmentation and consumer preferences for different fragrance categories (e.g., floral, fresh, woody, etc.).

Tell employers what skills you have

Performance Testing
Ingredients
Segmentation
Green Chemistry
Consumer Products
Formulation
Merchandising
Raw Materials
Chemistry
Authorization
Packaging
Team Player
Product Development
Personal Care
Home Care

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