Senior Application Specialist

1 week ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa IFF Full time R180 000 - R250 000 per year

Job Summary

Are you looking for a role where your expertise in food applications can make a real difference?

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences, we deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.

This role sits within our Food Ingredients Business Unit, where we focus on creating solutions that deliver improved nutritional profiles, exceptional taste and texture, and greater cost efficiency—helping global food and beverage manufacturers meet evolving consumer needs.

The Sr. Application Specialist role is based in Cape Town, South Africa in an onsite capacity.

Where you will make a difference

As a Senior Application Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in driving technical excellence and customer partnership. This position combines creativity, innovation, and leadership to deliver best-in-class application support for IFF clients. You'll work on high-impact projects, lead cross-functional teams, and contribute to regional and global technical strategies—all while mentoring junior colleagues and influencing the future of our category.

  • Build strong technical partnerships with key customers, conducting trials and presenting innovative concepts.

  • Develop and deliver compelling product and ingredient presentations to customers.

  • Identify new business opportunities while defending existing accounts.

  • Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, and other functions to ensure seamless project execution.

  • Lead technical strategy initiatives and contribute to global innovation programs.

  • Design and optimize finished product formulations to meet industrial standards and client requirements.

  • Mentor and train junior team members and technical/commercial staff.

  • Investigate and resolve technical challenges related to raw materials, prototypes, and scale-up processes.

  • Maintain a safe, organized lab environment while documenting activities and reporting progress.

What makes you the right fit

  • Degree in Food Science, Technology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field

  • 10+ years of experience in the food, pharmaceutical, ingredient, or flavor industry, with a strong baking background.

  • At least 5 years of expertise in the relevant application area and experience leading cross-functional teams.

  • Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to work independently on high-value projects.

How would you stand out?

  • Willingness to travel locally and across the African subcontinent as needed.

  • Comfort working in a lab environment, with the ability to navigate ambiguity while remaining self-driven and highly motivated.

Why Choose us?

  • Join a global leader in food innovation and ingredient solutions.

  • Influence product development and contribute to market-shaping innovations.

  • Engage in impactful projects with real-world applications.

  • Access opportunities for learning, career advancement, and personal growth.

  • Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits designed to support your well-being.

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

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