Lead Expert, Product Application, Colors - Princeton, NJ
Lead Expert, Product Application, Colors
Princeton, NJ (On-Site)
The Lead Expert, Colors will be responsible for the technical support for our color activities in Food and Beverages in North America. Key business segments are Beverage, Baking, Confectionary, Dairy and Cheese. The job is focused on developing applications that demonstrate our color portfolio and provide clear guidance on how to use our colors in various application and conditions. In addition, work will be done on benchmarking versus competitor products, as well as providing proposals to color matching requests customer applications. Deep understanding of colorants is desirable: colorant selection and alternatives, stability, application and usage of colorants in various food products and understanding of color measurements. In this role you will need to work closely with other application experts of the various business segments, providing technical input and co-developing applications. You will also support and provide guidance to the Taste division on the colors usage and applications.
We are looking for professionals that can roll up their sleeves to implement our rapid expansion plans, with high degree of freedom and company support. The role is positioned in a matrix organization, supporting multiple segments and teams. We need people that “own the outcome” and are self-driven. Join us in the journey to expand the dsm-firmenich Colors business. We are growing at fast pace and expanding our already broad portfolio with new products that meet the consumers desire for stable, natural and sustainable colors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the key technical application expert for colors in a broad range of food & beverage applications
- Deliver applications for a variety of segments and determine the best option, inclusion level and process conditions from our color portfolio. Apply natural colors in different food matrices based on good understanding of synergies of colors and best usage across conditions like pH, light and oxygen
- Deep understanding on replacement of artificial colors with natural colors
- Deliver color options to customers based on briefings with short turnaround time. Execute “color matching” service and/or propose color shades to customers by composing alternative natural colors. Ability to act as a project manager for these requests. Finally, deliver comprehensive reports on color matching and/or composition to customers
- Propose technology needs for colors application in different food matrices, translate technical needs to R&D
- Manage, build and share the know-how in the area of colors with technical sales managers, account managers and other application experts
- Prepare and deploy training for colors for sales and application team. Customize training per product segment. Include the various disciplines to craft the training (regulatory, commercial, application)
- Work closely with the Taste application organisation to create joint concepts using colors. Work closely with global Colors team, Technical Service managers and global and regional application specialists to leverage overall know-how
- Gather market intelligence and prepare overviews regarding competitors and other colors in the market
- Ensure the color lab is properly set-up and maintained
We Bring:
- Recognition and celebration of your efforts and accomplishments
- Opportunities for growth and advancement for those who embrace innovation and take initiative
- Customer-first approach, working with world-renowned companies and brands to turn ideas into impactful solutions
- Opportunity to build a career making a significant impact on billions of lives, with the freedom to shape your own path
- Responsibility and accountability in living company values and driving sustainable solutions
- Supportive environment where individuals are empowered to progress and contribute to meaningful change
You Bring:
- Master's Degree or equivalent experience in science or technology for food and beverages
- Knowledge of and minimum 5 years experience in colors for food and beverages
- Knowledge of color houses dynamics, in-depth knowledge of colors for F&B, and other, applications
- Project management experience required
- Creative and practical mindset to understand what makes a commercially attractive application and able to translate consumer trends and technical possibilities into inspiring applications
- Able to build relationships and communicate technical propositions in a clear and compelling way in front of colleagues from various business segments
- Comfortable working in teams, with colleagues based locally as well as in other regions
- Limited travel between dsm-firmenich locations and occasional visits to customers and trade shows
The salary scale provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant’s job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. Salary: $115K-130K per year.
In addition to base salary, we also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of annual incentive pay, a retirement savings plan, health care coverage, paid time off, recognition programs and a broad range of other benefits. All benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.
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.
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.