Fragrance Lab Technician US Hub

Unilever•Trumbull, CT

3d•$88,600 - $133,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a passionate, independent, team-player and detail-oriented Fragrance Lab Associate Manager to join Unilever Fragrance House team in Trumbull, CT. This role is critical to ensure on time and in full end to end fragrance creation compounding lab workstreams which supporting the creation, evaluation, optimization of fragrance applications across a wide range of product formats, and sample production for technical and consumer studies. This role ensures the end‑to‑end operational excellence of the UFH lab, enabling continuity, resilience, and high‑quality delivery across all fragrance creation workflows. This role is the primary owner of end-to-end lab operations for UFH Trumbull. The Fragrance Lab Associate Manager is responsible for end-to-end operational leadership of the Unilever Fragrance House (UFH) laboratory in Trumbull, CT. This role ensures the timely, high‑quality, and compliant execution of fragrance creation workflows, including sample preparation, fragrance compounding, technical testing, and sensory study support. The position is the primary owner of UFH Trumbull lab operations—driving continuity, resilience, safety, and excellence across all fragrance development activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or related scientific discipline preferred.
Minimum 7 years of experience in fragrance compounding, applications, and laboratory operations.
Timely and accurate preparation of samples across all relevant formats, ensuring proper identification of the sample
Compound fragrances for perfumers
Maintenance of high standards in lab safety, cleanliness, and documentation
Manages fragrance QC, stability testing and reporting
Support for innovation and technical development initiatives
Uphold lab KPIs such as OTIF, QC accuracy, stability study timeliness, and safety compliance.
Minimum 7 years in fragrance compounding and application specialist with experience in running lab operations
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Delivering with Excellence across the scope under their care
Seeks help as needed to prioritize and focus on what counts
Familiarity with lab equipment and basic analytical techniques
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Holding themselves and the team with whom they interact accountable for high standard delivery (Cares deeply about the work and their colleagues)
Good communication and documentation skills.
Able to Stay 3 steps ahead anticipating obstacles and delays on the projects with a proactive attitude
Must have lab operations and safety skills
Must be familiar with the odor and physical appearance of basic raw materials
Understanding of fragrance behavior in different product bases
Working knowledge of fragrance application across different bases
Ideally worked in the fragrance industry and is able to evaluate fragrances and compound
Working knowledge of formulation principles and stability testing
Understanding of regulatory requirements (IFRA, SDS, Unilever standards)
Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced innovation environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with statistical tools for DoE (e.g., JMP, Minitab) preferred.

Responsibilities

Owns and takes decision on set sampling workflows
Oversee the sample preparation workflow and escalate risks when identified
Drives the operational structure of the US Fragrance Lab and occasionally serves as mentor and guide for junior team members
Has technical maturity and expertise in interpreting formula-fragrance interaction, advanced understanding of Raw Materials and ability to design studies
Defines best practices for lab operations and sampling workflows
Acts as point-of-contact for audits and internal reviews.
Prepare fragrance‑applied samples accurately across multiple product categories, including: Personal Care: Body wash, bar soap, deodorant sticks & roll-ons, aerosols, whole body deodorants, mists, and innovative formats. Beauty & Wellbeing: Shampoo, conditioner, stylers, lotions, creams, dry shampoo, mists, and innovation formats. Home Care: Liquid laundry detergents, fabric softeners, surface cleaners, dishwashing liquids, and formats supported by site capabilities. Other Formats: Candles and innovative UFH Engagement Program formats.
Ensure fragrance–base compatibility and stability.
Independently and accurately compounds complex fragrance oils.
Calculates chemicals needed, weighs, and mixes in accord with formula
Must be familiar with the odor and physical appearance of basic raw materials.
Prepare all samples required for sensory evaluations and olfactive panels
Run QC for all compounded oils
Conduct basic stability and measurement science tests (e.g., pH, viscosity, color, appearance), as requested for each study
Conduct basic olfactive evaluations of samples
Plan and execute stability studies using the recommended Unilever protocol
Maintain accurate records of sample preparation, test results, and observations
Design and execute DoE studies for full formulation or RM and provide recommendations and conclusions to the rest of the UFH team
Experience with statistical tools for DoE (e.g., JMP, Minitab) preferred.
Ensure all lab equipment is maintained and calibrate
Keeps all lab documentation up to date and centrally available
Manages the inventory of unfragranced bases, and consumables ensuring minimum waste
Plan and execute the availability of base for projects in conjunction with the Technical project leader
Follow safety and quality protocols in all lab activities and ensures lab is ready for inspections if required
Create a best‑in‑class sampling process, ensuring on‑time delivery, quality, and cost control
Improvement proposals for facility standards, including space layout
Work cross-functionally with formulation teams, fragrance compounder, perfumer, fragrance evaluators and the Technical Project Lead
Participate in project meetings and contribute to technical discussions
Communicate clearly and delivers with excellence
Prepare and present studies reports including hypothesis and recommended next steps