Application Scientist at IFF

Job Summary

• Are you ready to support breweries and distilleries across Africa with innovative enzyme solutions that drive performance and customer success?
• At IFF, we boldly bring together science and creativity to create what the world needs. As industry leader in food, beverage, health, biosciences and sensorial experiences, we create essential solutions - from global icons to unexpected innovations and experiences.
• This role is part of the Global Applications team for Brewing, Beverages and Culinary integrated in our Food Bioscience business unit. As Application Scientist you´ll focuses on delivering customer-facing application support and in-depth technical expertise across Africa.
• The position is currently based in Cape Town, South Africa, however other locations across Africa can be considered. Be part of a creative, customer-oriented team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

Where You’ll Make a Difference?
Customer & Application Support

• Act as a trusted technical partner to breweries and distilleries across Africa.
• Provide high-level technical support to customers to ensure shared success.
• Identify new opportunities at existing and potential customers through innovative thinking.

Product & Application Excellence

• Support new product launches through commercialization, including customer dialogue, trial preparation, monitoring success criteria, and technical reporting.
• Drive application trials at customer sites and pilot facilities to optimize, validate, and document enzyme solution performance.
• Collaborate with the brewing laboratories and internal corporate functions to drive product optimization and application innovation.

Cross‑functional & Global Collaboration

• Implement brewing and distilling enzyme solutions in close collaboration with regional Sales, Product Management, and the global Food & Beverage Enzyme Team.
• Support and drive technical projects with global key account leaders in Brewing and Distilling.

Travel & Market Presence

• Actively visit customers and build a strong professional network across the African brewing industry.
• Approximately 40% travel, primarily across Africa, to support customers, application trials, and business development activities.

What Makes You the Right Fit?

• Master’s degree in Brewing Science, Food Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field
• 3–6 years of relevant professional experience, with the ability to handle most situations independently and advise others
• Strong knowledge of the Brewing and Distilling industry
• Experience solving ad hoc technical issues at customer sites to protect and grow existing business
• Solid planning and organizing skills to manage trials, projects, and reporting activities
• Data analysis skills to evaluate trial results and solution performance
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and build strong, trust‑based relationships with customers and internal stakeholders

How Would You Stand Out?

• Curious and dynamic approach to customer‑facing technical roles
• Work hand-in-hand with your regional colleagues and management.
• Ability to influence and engage customers through compelling technical storytelling and presentations.
• Innovative, solution‑oriented mindset when identifying opportunities and addressing complex challenges.
• Proven ability to build long‑term partnerships across diverse cultural and business environments.
• Speaking French or Portuguese is a bonus.