Senior Evaluator Perfume Industry

Overview

Were seeking a seasoned Senior Evaluator to lead olfactive evaluation, guide fragrance development, and partner with cross-functional teams to deliver winning scents for the Middle East and global markets. This role requires deep expertise in raw materials, market trends, and consumer preferences, with a strong track record of launching successful perfumes. Based in Sharjah, you will collaborate closely with perfumers, R&D, marketing, and commercial teams to shape briefs, refine submissions, and ensure quality and consistency from concept to launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Olfactive Evaluation
  • Evaluate perfume submissions across fine fragrance, niche, and lifestyle categories, ensuring alignment with briefs and brand DNA.
  • Provide structured, actionable feedback to perfumers on construction, balance, performance, and differentiation.
  • Build and maintain detailed olfactive benchmarks and sensory standards.
• Drive Project Excellence
  • Translate marketing/commercial briefs into clear olfactive targets and performance criteria (top/mid/base goals, longevity, sillage, bloom, dry-down).
  • Manage evaluation timelines, prioritize projects, and ensure on-time delivery of winning modifications.
  • Oversee controlled testing protocols (blind panels, wear tests, climate-relevant tests) and synthesize results for decision-making.
• Market & Consumer Insight
  • Monitor regional and global trends, competitor launches, and top sellers; maintain a trend library relevant to GCC/MENA.
  • Conduct gap analyses and opportunity mapping; propose olfactive directions backed by consumer insights and data.
  • Partner with marketing to craft compelling fragrance narratives and claims aligned with regulatory standards.
• Technical & Quality Leadership
  • Assess raw material quality, substitution risks, and stability; collaborate with compounding and QC on batch consistency.
  • Ensure compliance with IFRA, local regulations (UAE/GCC), and customer-specific standards.
  • Guide performance testing across substrates (skin, blotter, fabric) and varying climate conditions typical of the UAE.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with perfumers, R&D, applications, regulatory, and sales to optimize submissions and secure wins.
  • Support key client presentations, olfactive workshops, and category reviews; act as the expert voice in fragrance selection.
  • Mentor junior evaluators and sensory panels; elevate evaluation rigor and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Fragrance & Flavor Technology, or related field.
• 5/ 7+ years of experience in fragrance evaluation within a perfume house or brand, with multiple market launches.
• Proven expertise in fine fragrance
• Advanced sensory skills: calibrated nose, strong descriptor vocabulary, and ability to deconstruct blends.
• Solid knowledge of IFRA guidelines, EU/UAE/GCC regulatory frameworks, and stability/performance testing methodologies.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and presenting to clients or senior stakeholders.

Preferred Skills

• Fluency in English, French is a plus
• Strong data literacy (panel analytics, consumer testing insights).
• Familiarity with GC-MS insights and raw material sourcing/quality.
• Storytelling and copy support for fragrance concepts.
• Experience with niche/indie brands and luxury segment positioning.