Consumer Insights Senior Scientist

Mars Wrigley Confectionery UK (SLO, WAL, ISB & PAD); Windsor; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading confectionery company is seeking a Senior Scientist in Consumer Insights to translate consumer data into impactful strategies. This role demands extensive experience in market research, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate across functions. You will lead sensory research and mentor junior teams, all while working in a hybrid model based in Slough.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Learning and development support

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• 7+ years in consumer and market research (or 4+ years with Master's).
• Expertise in research methodologies and data analysis.
• Proficient in consumer-centric innovation approaches.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, analyze sensory and consumer research.
• Partner with teams to integrate sensory insights into strategies.
• Mentor junior researchers and lead sensory training.

Skills

Analytical skills

Storytelling

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Food Science, Psychology, Statistics, or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Design Thinking

Job description

Job Description:

Location: Slough, United Kingdom

Work mode: Hybrid (at least 2 days per week in the office)

Salary: GBP57,000 - 65,000, annual bonus, benefits

Overview: The Consumer Insights Senior Scientist plays a key role in translating consumer insights into impactful product, packaging, and innovation strategies. This role integrates scientific expertise with creativity to shape consumer experiences, collaborating with R&D, marketing, and consumer insights teams to drive business growth and differentiation.

What Will Be Your Key Responsibilities:

• Sensory & Consumer Research: Extensive experience in independently designing, executing, analyzing, and translating sensory and consumer research learnings into actionable insights for product and packaging innovation. Apply advanced qualitative and quantitative methodologies beyond traditional approaches to solve complex research challenges. Strong articulation and storytelling skills to integrate information into cohesive narratives with conviction and credibility.

• Strategic Business Influence: Partnered with cross-functional teams to integrate sensory insights into product narratives, identify market opportunities, and develop claims strategies. Guide competitive differentiation and innovation pipelines. Strong business acumen, understanding of the competitive landscape and trends, consumer empathy, and communication skills to create winning consumer experiences.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a bridge between sensory consumer research, brand strategy, and product development to ensure that consumer insights drive decision-making. Build strong relationships with internal teams and external market research partners.

• Technology & Program Development: Independently led research initiatives to assess product modifications, product/ packaging innovation, and claims validation. Conduct testing to evaluate consumer response and ensure products meet market expectations . Adaptability in navigating ambiguous, complex, and evolving project scopes with a balanced mix of analytical and creative thinking, addressing novel challenges with confidence.

• Capability Development & Leadership: Provide mentorship to junior researchers, interns, and panel leaders. Offer sensory training programs to enhance R&D and cross-functional teams' understanding of product taste and quality.

What We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Food Science, Psychology, Statistics, or a related field (Master's preferred).

• Extensive experience (around 7+ years) in consumer and market research (or 4+ years with a Master's degree) within market research or CPG industries.

• Expertise in research methodologies, experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and storytelling skills to translate insights into business strategies.

• Experience with Proficiency in Design Thinking and consumer-centric innovation approaches.

• Strong leadership, facilitation, influencing, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Passion for fostering an inclusive and diverse culture within global R&D teams.

• Proven track record of leveraging consumer insights to drive strategic decisions across brand positioning, portfolio architecture, and long-term innovation pipelines, not limited to technical product enhancements.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose-driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or neurodiversity during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.