Flavors Sample Lab Manager

About Döhler

Döhler is a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the global food, beverage and nutrition industry. Döhler is all about mastering sensory performance and nutrition. Being sustainable by nature, Döhler helps to nourish the world better: Good for people – Good for planet.®

Döhler’s ingredients are derived from natural raw materials. The comprehensive product portfolio of natural ingredients ranges from natural flavours, natural colours, natural health ingredients, and a broad range of plant-based ingredients to ingredient systems and end-to-end solutions.

With more than 50 production sites, 75 offices and application centres, Döhler creates value for customers in over 160 countries. More than 9,500 dedicated employees, including 1,000 people in R&D, focused on science, technology and innovation are committed to making Döhler’s customers successful.

“WE BRING IDEAS TO LIFE.” describes Döhler’s integrated and entrepreneurial approach to innovation. This also includes innovation services, market intelligence, advice on food safety and microbiology as well as sensory & consumer science. Döhler also runs its own venture unit with more than 85 active ventures. Smart ideas have a way of becoming great products.

Are you a hands-on leader who thrives in fast-paced, technical environments? Do you get energized by building high-performing teams, optimizing processes, and ensuring products meet the highest standards of quality and safety? If so, this is your opportunity to make a major impact.
We’re looking for a Team Lead, Flavors Sampling Laboratory Manager to oversee the end-to-end sample production process across our North American flavor and application labs. In this pivotal role, you will lead teams, standardize best practices, elevate safety and quality, and ensure our R&D and commercial organizations receive accurate, timely, and impeccably produced samples that delight customers and accelerate innovation.  This is an onsite role working from our Princeton, NJ office. 

Your Responsibilities: 

Leadership & Team Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing sampling team across North America. 
• Provide daily coaching, performance management, and development planning. 
• Partner with HR on hiring, talent development, and employee relations. 
• Establish quarterly site visit routines to reinforce standards and drive continuous improvement. 
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.

Sample Operations & Process Excellence

• Oversee the accurate, timely production of flavor samples and application blends aligned with R&D formulations and customer needs. 
• Ensure punctual and precise processing of raw materials according to recipes and operational guidelines from R&D’s Recipe Management system. 
• Standardize sampling practices, workflows, and organizational structures across all North American sites. 
• Implement and maintain automated compounding systems and TPM schedules. 
• Drive improvements in throughput, turnaround time, and reliability.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full adherence to GMP, HACCP, hygiene, environmental, and safety regulations. 
• Champion food safety and occupational safety standards throughout all operations. 
• Oversee sensory evaluation processes for developed products. 
• Manage complaint investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions with Quality and Customer Service.
• Ensure proper maintenance, calibration, and cleanliness of lab equipment and facilities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a key member of the global sampling community—share best practices, build alignment, and support global initiatives. 
• Partner closely with R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, and Commercial teams for seamless execution.
• Coordinate procurement of shipping documents and application data for CPG use of flavor samples.

Training & Site Support

• Train teams on new technologies, ensuring consistent adoption across sites. 
• Implement guidelines for stock takes and ensure accurate stock adjustments. 
• Oversee internal equipment repairs, maintenance, upgrades, and commissioning. 
• Ensure company and regulatory requirements in hygiene, HACCP, food safety, and environmental protection are implemented across all locations.

Resource & KPI Management 

• Plan personnel, material, and financial resources within approved budgets.
• Monitor KPIs, analyze performance trends, and take corrective action as needed. 
• Drive data-based continuous improvement initiatives across all sample labs.

Salary Range - $110,000 – 130,000 
The compensation range provided reflects the expected base compensation only and does not include potential bonuses, incentive plans, or benefits.  An individual’s final compensation offer will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education level, relevant experience, training, and geographic location.  

Your Profile:  

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related field. 
• 5+ years of experience in food, beverage, flavor, fragrance, or ingredient production, sampling, or lab operations. 
• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in a lab, pilot plant, or production environment. 
• Strong understanding of GMP, HACCP, food safety, and hygiene standards. 
• Experience managing multi-site or regional operations

We offer:

•  Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans to support you and your family 
• Paid Parental Leave –Maternity and Paternity Leave so you can focus on what matters most 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match – Plan for your future with company-supported retirement savings
• Paid Time Off – Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with PTO and 11 Paid Holidays 
• Employee Engagement – Join our Engagement Team for fun events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to connect with colleagues across the company 
• Döhler Academy: You have the opportunity to continuously develop your education further through internal and external training programs 
• Supportive Culture – Friendly and informal atmosphere, family-owned, flat hierarchies, open communication, and helpful colleagues 
• Meaningful Impact – Be an integral part of our business success and help shape the future of nutrition 
• Empowerment – Unleash your full potential with opportunities to grow, lead, and make a real difference

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