We are Kao, listed as one of the world's most ethical companies for the last 20 years.

Our EMEA brand portfolio spans across three sectors; Consumer Care (John Frieda, Guhl, Bondi Sands, Bioré, Jergens, Curél), Professional Hair (Goldwell, Oribe, KMS Hair, Kerasilk), and Molton Brown.

Our corporate philosophy, The Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation, and treating each other with trust and respect.

Base monthly pay: EUR 4,920.00 (E11 T1, Chemical Industry Collective Agreement, Hesse, Germany) | permanent, full-time role based in Darmstadt | Legal employing entity: Kao Germany GmbH

The Fragrance Expert (m/w/d) is responsible for defining and driving the fragrance strategy for Kao's Hair Care portfolio, ensuring that all fragrances align with brand positioning and create measurable consumer value. The role acts as the central interface between R&D, marketing, global teams, and external fragrance houses to deliver high-quality, competitive fragrance solutions. In addition, the position ensures strong governance, consistency, and continuous improvement of fragrance decisions across projects, while building organizational capability and advancing fragrance innovation and portfolio effectiveness.

What you will do:

Define and steer the EuRL fragrance strategy in alignment with Global Hair Care Strategy, translating brand strategies into differentiated fragrance concepts that increase consumer value and willingness to pay.
Develop high-impact, strategy-led perfume briefs integrating consumer insights, brand positioning, and regulatory requirements (incl. IFRA). Lead fragrance selection, evaluation, and optimization, establishing clear criteria and ensuring robust documentation and performance tracking throughout development and stability.
Act as central interface between EuRL, Global HQ Fragrance Group, external fragrance houses, and cross-functional stakeholders (Marketing, R&D, Regulatory). Ensure alignment, governance, and efficient decision-making on all fragrance topics, minimizing late-stage changes and rework.
Identify, evaluate, and implement new fragrance technologies and olfactive trends through internal and external networks. Collaborate closely with Sensory Science Research teams to translate innovations into competitive product advantages.
Lead fragrance-related maintenance and optimization projects, including raw material changes, compliance updates, and portfolio harmonization. Drive portfolio simplification targets by reducing complexity while safeguarding brand differentiation and consumer perception.
Gain deep understanding of the general fragrance category in context of the identified consumer needs for the hair-care business (competitive landscape & olfactive trends). Educate the Kao Hair Care (Professional Hair Care & Consumer Care) organization accordingly.
Train, qualify, and govern fragrance supporters, technicians, and expats. Establish and implement clear training, testing, and qualification frameworks to ensure high and consistent fragrance competency across the organization.

Formal academic training in fragrance from a recognized / standard university or institute e.g. perfumery science, fragrance chemistry, sensory science
Professional evaluation experience in a Fragrance House or Beauty Company would be beneficial
Excellent olfactive skills combined with a passion and the fragrance universe.
Proven project management skills and track record
Solid organizational, communication and presentation skills.
Excellent oral and written capabilities in the English language.
IT skills: solid capabilities in using common PC applications (MS Office, etc.)
High self motivation with ability to successfully perform in a fast-paced global organization (multi-functional, multi-cultural)
Ability to link technical information with consumer insights & market / industry trends
Strategic and visionary thinking combined with strong focus on delivering actionable results
Creative and innovation-focused mentality
High reliability and ethical mindset
Target group related communication skills

At Kao, we believe the diversity of our teams strengthens our global mission. Here we trust and respect each other, collaborating in a friendly and inclusive work environment to achieve great results.

What you can expect from us:

An entrepreneurial environment where passionate and innovative teams come together.
Respect, teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of how we work.
A workplace culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, with opportunities to get involved in initiatives such as Mental Health First Aiders, our Charity Committee, and DE&I communities
A broad range of benefits, including flexible working, competitive salaries, health and wellbeing offers, pension schemes, insurance options, and more…
Learning and development opportunities

Salary: 65120 EUR / YEAR

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