The Scientist role in Technical Consumer Data Research (TCDR) reports to the Senior Director, TCDR, NAOU. The role delivers high-quality sensory and consumer data to supportproduct,packaging,and equipmentdevelopmentaligned with productivity, renovation, and innovation priorities for business-critical projects across the North America Operating Unit (NAOU).

As an individual contributor, the TCDR Scientist designs, manages, and executes sensory and consumer research, ensuring rigorous study design, seamless execution, and robust data analysis. The role generates reliable data, actionable insights, and clear, well-grounded recommendations tailored to businessneeds.

Working closely with the broader TCDR team and cross-functional business partners, the Scientist applies human-centered design principles and integrates consumer understanding into development processes. This includes building category knowledge, understanding consumer preferences, and translating insights into clear guidancethat strengthens the innovation pipeline and supports delivery of market-relevant, consumer-preferred solutions.

Organizationally, TCDR sits within the Innovation, Technology & Strategy function, enabling strong integration of sensory and consumer insights into strategic decision-making and reinforcing the role’s impact on delivering competitive, market-leading offerings.

FunctionRelated Activities / Key Responsibilities

• Design, executeand conduct sensory & consumer research studies to meet specific projectobjectivesgaining valuable sensory insights and providing guidance to the development team andbusiness partner. Manage all phases of the study including experimental design, test execution, statistical analyses and reporting of the results, aligned with OU TCDR leader 

• Provide data-drivenrecommendationsbased on strong technical consumer research.

• Conduct competitor benchmarking and Product,Packaging,Equipment evaluation to understand the competitive landscapeinsupportof OUcategoriesand brands

• Understand and define fundamental sensoryand consumerrequirements of your categories and inject the knowledge into solution development.

• Be curious,proactivelyleverageexternal knowledge (supplier, symposium, literature review) toidentify &provealternativebeneficial future forwardmethods(AIassisted), aligned with TCDR global category leader.

• Work as a close partner with the R&Dcategories team, Marketing andHumanInsight team.

• Work with minimal guidance and in close collaboration with project leaders

Operational Related Activities– As Required

• Manage and lead internal sensory laboratory operations, including oversight of facilities, panels, and personnel (contractors, technicians, interns), while conducting and executing laboratory-based experiments to ensure protocol adherence, accurate data collection, and timely delivery of high-quality results supporting OU research and business objectives.

• Maintain laboratory to highest standard and lead required annual audits successfully.

DataAnalytics& Synthesis

• Perform analysis and interpret test results; form conclusions on studies conductedPrepare and present technicalconclusion

• Working knowledgeof Statistical software (SPSS,SAS, JMP,etc.), Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Project, Word

• Harness evolving technologies and data analytics to develop tools and solutions that bolster competitiveadvantageand deliver market-leading results

• Bring theoutside in, remain current with relevant scientific literaturefromexternal resources.

TechnicalRiskManagement

• Skilled inidentifyingand assessing technical risks, mitigate risks, implementingproactive measures to ensure project continuity and system integrity.

BusinessUnderstanding& SystemKnowledge

• System Thinking, ability to listen to and influence those in less technical roles to act and invest in capabilities with compellingdata backedbusinessrecommendations

TechnicalCommunication& DataStorytelling

• Translate strategic visions into actionable plans, using knowledge of current business processes and best practices.

• Prepare and present technical conclusions to technical and non-technical audiences

Influencing& StakeholderManagement

• Function as a business partner by effectivelynurturing internal and external relationships, including collaboration with research suppliers, academic institutions, and cross-functional project teams, to support and advanceresearch initiatives.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Educational Requirement: Batchelor Science Degree BScorMSc PhDfrom an accredited University in Food or Sensory Science, Engineering,BehavioralPsychology, or related field, andtechnical mastery of Sensory, Consumer, Applied Statistics,to include science, methodologies, frameworks, and approaches.

• Work Related Experience:4+ years of experience withinFMCGBeverage/Food Industry with proven relevant experience in Sensory and Consumer researchand data,working in a FMCGorganizationwithPD,Marketing and Human Insight,ability totranslatedataresultsinto businessrecommendationsOperational Sensory laboratory, andexperience is preferred

Desired Skills and Competencies:

Human-Centered Design:Design a research plan to address key questions for a specific project

• Sensory Science& Consumer Science
• Social & behavior science
• Research Design Principlesfor qualitativeand quantitativeresearch.
• Foundations of technicalriskmanagement
• User experience

Technical Communication:Simplify complex information in a concise format that isappropriate forthe audience

• Analyze and communicate research in a fit for purposeformat.
• Technical Communicationand Storytelling with data
• Data Engineering, databasedevelopment &understanding

Data Analytics & Synthesis of Structured and Unstructured data.

• Excellent statisticsand data analysisskills.
• Knowledge of AI and Machine Learning principles,demonstratingan eagerness to deepen understanding and apply these technologies effectively.
• Understand and work in data management tools andproficiencyin visualization (Power BIor other)

Business Partnerships:Work with multiple functions to execute project work (R&D, Marketing, HI, etc.)

• Serves as a trusted advisor, offering insights into relevant markets, business strategies, and operating environments to support informed decision-making across the organization and among individual team members.

• Cultivatestrong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders by providing valuable market analysis and strategic guidance to enhance business operations and drive organizational success.

Process Improvement:Recommend more effective ways of working to execute and drive value

Travel:Travel is not a requirement for this role.

Direct Reports:0