Sr Sci, R&D - Sensory Consumer Science

Job Description

Job Description

Role - Consumer Experience Senior Scientist

We are looking for a “consumer-obsessed” Consumer Experience (CX) Senior Scientist to join our team – someone who is creative, strategic, independent, and collaborative and who can execute with high attention to detail. We shape and influence food and beverage innovations by combining a creative approach with technical knowledge to connect our consumer and product opportunities.

The Consumer Experience Sr. Scientist provides guidance research leadership, coordination and integration for all sensory and consumer product focused research activities on assigned innovation projects. Provides Sensory and Consumer research consultation and thought leadership to all levels of R&D and cross-functional partners. Proactively can identify information needs and relevant methodologies required to guide product development from ideation to launch. Part of the North America CX team, improving the effectiveness and impact of sensory and consumer experience research tools, methods and processes for the business.

Key Components of the role

· Plays a leadership role in guiding innovation projects by providing actionable recommendations based on key findings from primary sensory and consumer experience research for assigned category and brands.

· Utilizes a variety of qualitative and quantitative consumer research tools, as well as some use of discrimination and descriptive analysis methodologies.

· Supports assigned innovation projects, participates in development of overall project learning plans, executes and recommends action plans to implement key findings and drive business impact. Supports longer term innovation projects which are more complex and will require multiple phases of research, must be able to identify themes and insights across multiple studies.

· Plans and executes front end innovation activities such as knowledge audits, ideation, competitive landscaping and iterative early prototype testing with internal and external resources.

· Able to handle high levels of complexity; capable of collecting information from internal and external sources.

· Consults with internal and external clients, able to build trust with stakeholders.

· Develops deep understanding of Kraft Heinz Company business and strategy.

· Adapts traditional methodologies when appropriate to meet changing business needs or technical constraints.

Organizational Relationships:

· Interacts and influences all levels of Brand and R&D Team (Technician to VP). Facilitates consensus on category project teams on sensory and consumer research plans, and delivers findings in a way that ensures they are understood and utilized.

· Collaborates with partner functions including Global Consumer Insights and Culinary, partnering on learning plan development.

· Manages activities of research suppliers. Sets high standards, provides on-going feedback. Appropriately questions and challenges suppliers to ensure best thinking and continuous improvement.

· Represents Kraft Heinz in professional organizations and meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Minimum Bachelor’s degree (Food Science, Physical Science, Social Science or Market Research preferred). MS in Sensory Science preferred.

Experience:

Minimum 4 years with BS or 2 years with MS Sensory or Consumer research experience in increasingly responsible positions. Experienced across all research techniques/applications.

Specialized knowledge Required:

· Strong generalized knowledge and experience of Sensory and Consumer research, especially qualitative and quantitative consumer research methods, including questionnaire / discussion guide design, data analysis and interpretation. Experience with descriptive analysis and discrimination testing a plus.

· Sensory and consumer research experience in a food and beverage related industry (i.e. CPG firms, sensory and consumer research vendors, ingredient suppliers, etc.)

· Highly developed soft skills required for effective consultation, data presentation and business influence. Able to distill research findings into clear and actionable insights and recommendations.

· Advanced understanding of basic and multivariate statistics

· Strong interpersonal and team skills (organization, prioritization, communication, and flexibility), written and oral communication skills.

· Strong problem solving and attention to detail skills

· Able to multi-task, work alone and in a team

· Competency with Windows based software (Microsoft Office)

· Experience with moderating qualitative consumer research or descriptive panels a plus

· Experience with RedJade or similar sensory testing software a plus