Technical Manager-Research Chef, Sweet & Dairy

Technical Manager-Research Chef, Sweet & Dairy Applications

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.
Location: Northbrook, IL
Reports to: VP, Sweet & Dairy
Travel: Approximately 25–40%

 About the Role

Bell Flavors & Fragrances is seeking a Technical Manager-Research Chef, Sweet & Dairy Applications, to lead and inspire our Sweet & Dairy Applications team. This is a senior-level, hands-on technical leadership role for an industry expert passionate about flavor, food innovation, and customer collaboration.

In this role, you will guide Research Chefs, Scientists, and Applications Technicians while delivering winning sweet and dairy concepts that delight customers and support strategic business growth. You’ll work cross-functionally with R&D, Sales, and Marketing to bring cutting-edge flavor solutions to life.

 Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Sweet & Dairy technologists and research chefs


• Create and deliver high-quality sweet and dairy concepts across bakery, confectionery, ice cream, and related applications


• Collaborate closely with customers to establish effective ways of working and deliver prototypes that exceed sensory and timing expectations


• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for customers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders


• Personally prepare bench-top samples and prototypes for customer evaluation


• Guide flavor selection and application strategy across sweet and dairy categories


• Stay current on regulatory requirements, category trends, and emerging consumer insights


• Conduct flavor testing for stability, shelf life, and recommended usage


• Host customer development and rapid prototyping sessions at Bell’s Northbrook facility


• Travel to support customer projects and sales initiatives as needed

 Qualifications & Experience

• Associate's degree (A.A.S.) in Culinary Arts, Science, or Nutrition and/or Bachelor of Science in a STEM field


• 7–10+ years of industry experience in sweet and/or dairy product development


• Background in food science, culinary science, culinology, pastry arts, or related disciplines


• Proven leadership and project management experience


• Strong expertise in flavor applications for confectionery, bakery, and dairy products


• Experience developing new flavor concepts and managing key customer accounts


• Skilled in sensory evaluation, descriptive analysis, and consumer testing methodologies


• Excellent communication, presentation, and customer-facing skills


• Passion for food, culture, innovation, and continuous learning

 Why Bell?

• You will be part of a collaborative, innovative culture where technical expertise meets creativity.


• We offer the opportunity to work on exciting customer projects, influence flavor trends, and lead a talented team in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.


• Competitive salary range $120,000 - $130,000


• Full-time benefit package