Director, Product Application ISOL

Director, Product Application ISOL
Shanghai, China

Hybrid Working

Lead a talented application team and help accelerate the growth of our hydrocolloids business in China and globally. Be part of a global network of leaders across TTH, in this role, you will shape application strategy, strengthen technical capabilities, and turn customer and market insights into practical food and beverage solutions. You will work closely with customers, commercial teams, suppliers, global technical and business communities while overseeing several application laboratories in China and supporting a diverse innovation/R&D portfolio. This is an opportunity to combine team leadership, technical know-how, customer relationship, and local and global stake holder management to create meaningful business impact.

Your key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the TTH ISOL product application strategy for China, aligning technical priorities with customer needs, long-term business opportunities, market benchmarks, and emerging technologies.
• Be a part of the global team managing our hydrocolloid category, support business development through Application and Technical capabilities globally.
• Lead the application team through clear goal setting, prioritization, coaching, capability development, and effective allocation of people and laboratory resources.

• Build application expertise across cultures, enzymes, hydrocolloids, beverages, blending technologies, and potentially other categories to create differentiated customer solutions and support business growth.
• Lead or support complex local and global customer and innovation projects, partnering with commercial teams to provide technical guidance and enable successful product launches.
• Ensure laboratories, equipment, quality systems, food safety practices, occupational health, security, and safety procedures comply with applicable regulations and dsm-firmenich standards.

We offer

• Unique career paths across taste, texture, nutrition and health, with support to explore what drives you and develop your expertise and leadership.
• The opportunity to influence food and beverage innovation by translating science and technology into solutions for customers and consumers.
• A science-led environment where you can work with application experts, commercial partners, and global technical communities on complex challenges.

• A highly collaborative role with opportunities to exchange knowledge and good practices across teams, functions, countries, and research centers.
• A culture that values shared success, continuous learning, accountability, and people who support each other.
• A workplace where safety, well-being, quality, and responsible ways of working are fundamental to how we operate.

You Bring

• A degree in Food Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or another relevant discipline; a master’s degree or higher is an advantage.
• At least ten years of scientific and commercial experience involving cultures, enzymes, hydrocolloids, or their applications in food or non-food industries.
• At least five years of experience leading teams or supervising laboratories, together with experience contributing to global projects.

• Broad knowledge of food and beverage applications; knowledge of stabilizers, formulation, processing, or blending technology is an advantage.
• Strategic thinking, the ability to connect technical and commercial perspectives, and confidence in prioritizing resources across a varied project portfolio.
• Excellent written and spoken English, adaptability to act across cultures, and a collaborative approach to working with customers, and colleagues and stake holders around the world.

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.

Our application process

Interested in this position? Please apply online by uploading your resume in English through the dsm-firmenich careers portal.

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.