Global Scent Category Leader - Fine Fragrance

Global Scent Category Leader – Fine Fragrance

Paris, France

The Global Scent Category Leader – Fine Fragrance is a strategic leadership role within the Global Scent Unit, responsible for shaping the future of the category through consumer-centric innovation, fragrance expertise, and market vision.

As the category expert, you will translate deep understanding of consumer behavior, market dynamics, and olfactive trends into breakthrough fragrance strategies and innovation pipelines. Working closely with Marketing, Consumer Insights, Technical Development, and Business Development teams, you will identify new growth opportunities, guide fragrance creation, and accelerate differentiation in the marketplace.

You will also play a key leadership role by managing Innovation FDMs, mentoring fragrance talent, and strengthening category capabilities across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the innovation vision and priorities for the Fine Fragrance category.
• Leverage consumer insights, market intelligence, and olfactive expertise to identify future opportunities and trends.
• Lead fragrance exploration, prototyping, and innovation programs using advanced creation methodologies and predictive tools.
• Partner with Technical Development to build and prioritize the innovation pipeline.
• Provide expert guidance on strategic customer briefs and commercial opportunities.
• Manage and develop an Innovation FDM while fostering expertise and knowledge sharing across the fragrance community.

We offer

• Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty - explore what drives you and get the support to make it happen
• A chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we do
• A science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game-changers, you’ll work on what’s next
• Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership
• A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
• A community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well.

You Bring

• Degree in Chemistry or technical scientific background.
• 10-15 years of successful experience in Fine Fragrance category.
• Extensive experience leading and securing high-value global wins with key customers.
• Deep knowledge of global Fine Fragrance consumers, markets, and olfactive trends.
• Proven ability to influence innovation strategy and drive category growth.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and collaboration skills in a matrix organization.
• Fluent in English mandatory, French a strong advantage.

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.
Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

If interested, please apply with a CV in English.

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement

We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.