Position Overview:

The Technical Consumer Research function is a strategic partner that supports & enables the mission and vision of R&D to build, enhance and protect superior consumer experiences. The role of Manager in Technical Consumer Research (TCR) is a champion of the voice of the consumer, drives agile research solutions that uncovers critical insights to deliver exceptional consumer experiences.

Collaborating closely with the the Research to Experimentation team, the Global Development Innovation, Human Insights, and Global Development & Innovation (GD&I) teams, the TCR Manager will develop and implement comprehensive short and long term Sensory & Consumer Research strategies and programs to deliver consumer centric solutions (product, packaging and delivery system).

Critical Skills

• Deep expertise in Consumer and sensory Science. Expert capability in designing, conducting, analyzing, and interpreting both qualitative and quantitative research including surveys, focus groups, product testing and field observations.

• Strong technical and analytical skills, and a passion for learning and developing new research methodologies. Expert knowledge of quantitative & qualitative research techniques and proficiency applying techniques, including creation of the research design, implementation and data gathering, data analysis, and trend analysis, interpretation, implications, and next steps.  

• Advance understanding of statistics and appropriate use of techniques to analyze and interpret data-including ANOVA, OLS & PLS regression, clustering analysis, design of experiments (DOE). Experience with statistical package (SAS, R, XLSTAT... )

• Strong data science skills with ability to communicate and simplify complex data analysis into actionable, easy to understand insights. Strong ability to leverage advanced analytics to enable effective, data-based decision-making.

• Strong communication skills (written & verbal) and strong data storytelling skills required. Proven ability to write concise, informative reports and verbally present complex technical information to non-technical audiences. Ability to listen to and influence those in less technical roles to act and invest in capabilities with compelling business cases.

• Ability to translate strategy into action, using knowledge of current business process & practices and evolving technology & data to develop tools and solutions that drive winning results in the marketplace.

• Must be an effective influence manager capable to manage stakeholders and cross-functional partners.

• A proven track record of turning complex business issues into simple and actionable recommendations.

• Strong project management skills including knowledge of project management principles and the ability to apply the principles, tools and techniques to develop/plan, manage or execute projects or work plans to ensure successful completion (e.g., on time, within budget). Must have the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

• Be an expert for Insights. Using both consumer research and sensory tools to uncover the insights to guide new product development along with identifying market trends and opportunities.

• Derive new insights coming from market trends analysis, e-commerce review and social commerce/ social media activities and them into insights and/or new product opportunities.

• Define sensory and consumer research strategy and multiyear programs to guide short- and long-term innovation initiatives.

• Provide technical leadership through translating learnings of sensory and consumer research to actionable insights and serve as subject matter expert on projects. 

• Apply scientific knowledge to independently design, plan, and execute sensory and consumer research projects utilizing established and innovative testing methodologies and process to support the development of consumer centric solutions.

• Explore and implement new research methodologies, continuously improve operational efficiency, and support innovation agenda. 

• Accurately and consistently records experimental methods, materials, and results in sensory and consumer research database.

• Analyze data using Data Science and/or statistical principles, evaluate results, form conclusions, and implement process improvements/recommendations.

• Lead benchmarking activities for key formats to understand competitive advantage and opportunities.

• Stay connected with the industry and up to date on new consumer science, sensory research, and relevant data science techniques.

• Collaborate cross-functionally and manage multiple projects simultaneously across various geographies.  Strongly collaborate with the R&D, Marketing and Human Insight teams

• Be a consumer advocate on project teams.  

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Data Science, Psychology or equivalent with experience in sensory & consumer science, behavioral psychology, data analytics or applied statistics or related fields

• 5-7 or more years of experience in sensory science or consumer research.

• Proficient using Statistical, Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Project, Word

• Proficient in applying a broad range of sensory and consumer research techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data and deliver actionable insights. Solid ability to work multi-functionally in hypothesis/insight generation and find opportunities to scale

• Experience using Design Thinking and Agile methodologies is a plus.

• Project and program management skills required with ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Be comfortable with ambiguity and fast-moving timelines.   

• Have passion to learn/develop and bring in emerging trends/technology that drive business value

Nice to have skills:

• Experience with App development and deployment on Azure

• Experience creating a fine-tuned or customized ChatGPT App

Skills:

Data Science; Continual Improvement Process; New Product Development; Research and Development Operations; Research Designs; Shelf Life Evaluation; Strategic; Environmental Science; Innovation; Analytical Thinking; organization; Science; Storytelling; Consumer Sciences; Data Analysis; Communication; Data Analytics; Sensory Evaluation; Emerging Trends; Teamwork; Business; Statistical Data Analysis; Research Methodologies; Product Development; Leadership; Influencing; Sensory Processing; Researching; Quantitative Research; Project Management; Qualitative Research; Consumer Research; Data Compilation

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.