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.
About our role:
Base monthly pay: EUR 4,920.00 (E11 T1, Chemical Industry Collective Agreement, Hesse, Germany)
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.
What you will need:
- 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
Your voice matters here, we value entrepreneurial thinking and innovation from our teams.
To find out why 33,000 people across the Globe work at Kao please visit: https://candidate-brochure.kao.com/kao-emea/full-view.html
https://www.kao.com/emea/en/careers/
Discover careers at Kao and how we live our purpose, Kirei – Making Life Beautiful. https://kao.voyse.io/
Our Privacy Policy: https://www.kao.com/emea/en/privacy/
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Legal employing entity: Kao Germany GmbH
Skills Required
- Formal academic training in fragrance from a recognized 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 for 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
- High self motivation within a fast-paced global organization
- Ability to link technical information with consumer insights and market/industry trends
- Strategic and visionary thinking with a focus on delivering actionable results
- Creative and innovation-focused mentality
- High reliability and ethical mindset
- Target group related communication skills
What We Do
Ever since the company's founding in 1887, Kao has strived to deliver value to the life of people everywhere in the world. Today, we are a leading manufacturer in the fields of hygiene, beauty and health, while our chemical business contributes to the development of diverse industries. With more than 33,000 employees, our mission is to enrich the lives of people globally and contribute to the sustainability of the world. In the regions of Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), we focus on our Beauty Care business with premium brands in three business sectors: Consumer, Salon and Cosmetics. Our Business Sector represents skin and hair care brands that are recognized worldwide for their innovation and quality, such as Jergens, Curél, Bioré, Guhl, and John Frieda. Our Salon Business Sector is committed to unleashing the creativity of stylists around the globe. With our industry leading brands Goldwell, KMS and Oribe, stylists have everything in their hands to create beautiful show-stopping hair representative of the individuality of their clients. Our London-based boutique brand, Molton Brown, offers luxury beauty products found only in our exclusive Molton Brown stores, high-end department stores and travel retail, as well as five-star hotels around the world. All three business sectors are driven by the same values and beliefs: Creating high-quality products and constantly striving for the best is what is at the heart of everything we do. This is why we understand that our people are one of our core assets, and we strive for a working environment that allows team members to flourish and grow. Join us, and you will have opportunity to help us make life beautiful
