R&D Starter Culture Group Manager

Job Summary

IFF is seeking a visionary and inspiring Group Leader to head our Starter Culture Development SCD Group in Dangé-Saint-Romain (86), France.

About Iff

At IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances), we are united by a shared passion for discovery and innovation. We push past traditional boundaries to create the next generation of solutions for the food, beverage, health, biosciences, and sensorial experiences industries. Our purpose is to redefine how we live and thrive by applying science and creativity for a better world.

Role Summary

IFF is seeking a visionary and inspiring Group Leader to head our Starter Culture Development SCD Group in Dangé-Saint-Romain (86), France. If you’re passionate about shaping the future of fermented dairy products, and you thrive on driving scientific excellence while empowering brilliant minds—this opportunity is for you. Our state-of-the-art facility hosts a team of highly skilled scientists and technicians revolutionizing dairy fermentation with flagship starter cultures technologies like Choozit® Lift and Yomix® Prime.

Now, we’re looking for a leader who will

• Develop new starter cultures that push the boundaries of differentiation—delivering superior taste, texture, nutrition and safety, all with sustainability and affordability in mind.
• Champion the integration of automation, digital tools and AI into applied dairy R&D
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the SCD Dangé R&D team, fostering a high-trust and collaborative culture.

At IFF, innovation is collaborative. The ideal candidate will be a connector—someone who can engage effortlessly with a global dairy ecosystem including academic partners, customers, and internal cross-functional teams. More than just technical expertise, we’re looking for someone who leads with empathy and boldness. You’ll coach, inspire and elevate your team to unlock their creativity, foster curiosity, and deliver results through smart prioritization and clear project tracking.

Where You’Ll Make A Difference

• Lead the Starter Culture R&D Group in Dangé, managing a team of 18 permanent IFF employees championing a culture of curiosity, agility, and continuous improvement through coaching and talent development.
• Support development of advanced, high-throughput dairy models reflective of global cheese and yogurt processes.
• Accelerate the commercialization of game-changing microbial-based dairy solutions in synergy with global innovation hubs.
• Streamline industrial processes and support the deployment of the culture asset strategy to enhance productivity and capacity.
• Expand innovation beyond cultures into enzymes, flavors, and digital transformation (AI, automation, data).
• Ensure alignment with IFF’s strategic goals, customer-centric approach, and DEI principles.
• Lead organizational change initiatives and contribute to the long-term vision of the Dangé site.

What Makes You The Right Fit

• Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Proven leadership experience in R&D or innovation management, ideally in a global matrix organization.
• Strong track record in dairy or microbial-based product development and commercialization.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and team-building skills.
• Experience managing cross-functional and multicultural teams.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in French is a strong asset.

How Would You Stand Out?

• Minimum 10 years of experience in innovation roles within the dairy industry with practical technical knowledge on microbiology.
• Familiarity with digital tools, AI, and automation in R&D environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and transformation.

Why Choose Us?

• Work in a state-of-the-art facility with cutting-edge technologies.
• Be part of a global innovation network with strong academic and industry partnerships.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
• Inclusive and purpose-driven culture.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Make a real impact on sustainable food innovation.

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.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more