Sr Sci, R&D - Culinary Innovation & Consumer Science

Job Description

Here at Kraft Heinz, we grow our people to grow our business, because we believe that great people make great companies. When you join our table, you can expect access to an array of holistic wellness benefits* and perks, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 7% 401(k) matching, Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to help foster diversity, inclusion, and belonging for all employees, an industry-leading total rewards package that emphasizes a high discretionary bonus.

*Benefits begin 30 days after hire for hourly employees, and immediately upon hire for salaried employees.

Get a peek into life here at Kraft Heinz through our Instagram and TikTok channels!

Sr Sci, R&D - Culinary Innovation & Consumer Science at a glance...

We are looking for a “consumer-obsessed” sensory & consumer scientist to join our team – someone who is creative, strategic, independent, and collaborative and who can execute with high attention to detail and communication. We shape and influence food facing innovations by combining a creative approach and our technical knowledge to connect our consumer and product opportunities.

The Sensory & Consumer Science Sr. Scientist provides guidance research leadership, coordination and integration for all sensory and consumer research activities on assigned innovation projects. Provides Sensory and Consumer research consultation and thought leadership across R&D and other functional areas. Identifies information needs to guide product development from conceptualization to product launch. Provides leadership in improving the productivity and impact of sensory and consumer research tools, methods and processes for the business.

What's on the menu?

• Plays a leadership role in guiding innovation projects by providing actionable recommendations based on key findings from primary sensory and consumer research for assigned category and brands.
• Provides complete sensory and consumer research projects (discrimination, descriptive analysis, qualitative and quantitative) to support assigned projects, participates in development of overall project objectives, executes against same, and recommends action plans to implement key findings and drive business objectives. Leads more complex, strategic projects.
• Operates as a core team member of R&D Innovation Lab, planning and driving front end innovation activities from conceptualization through iterative early prototype testing using internal and external resources.
• Supports cross-functional teams through knowledge gathering, brainstorming and synthesis of whitespace ideas.
• Able to handle high levels of complexity; capable of collecting information from different sources.
• Consults with internal and external clients
• Develops deep understanding of Kraft Heinz Company business
• Provides input into business strategy and consumer insights
• Develops and applies novel methodologies to meet changing business needs
• Interacts and influences all levels of Brand and R&D Team (Technician to VP). Facilitates consensus on category project teams.
• Collaborates with Corporate Consumer Insights function and Senior Consumer Insights Management.
• Manages activities of research suppliers. Sets high standards, provides ongoing feedback. Appropriately questions and challenges suppliers to ensure the best thinking and continuous improvement
• Represents Kraft Heinz in professional organizations and meetings

Recipe for Success - apply now if this sounds like you!

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. Consumer packaged goods experience required.

Specialized knowledge Required:

• Strong generalized knowledge and experience of Sensory and Consumer testing methodologies including descriptive analysis, panel moderating, discrimination testing, consumer research, questionnaire design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Highly developed soft skills required for effective data presentation and business influence based on results.
• Deep knowledge into category specific methodology and serving protocols for the assigned category.
• Competency with Windows based software (Microsoft Office)
• Advanced understanding of basic and multivariate statistics
• Strong interpersonal and team skills (organization, pri