Consumer Science & Sensory Manager

McCormick & Company; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global food company is seeking a Consumer Science & Sensory Manager to lead their EMEA strategy and shape product innovation through consumer insights. This role involves managing sensory teams, developing consumer research programs, and collaborating with product development and marketing. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in FMCG, leadership experience, and excellent analytical skills. The position is located in Aylesbury, UK, offering a chance to influence product design and consumer engagement directly.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Consumer Science & Sensory role in FMCG (Food & Drink).
• Demonstrated leadership and project delivery experience.
• Experience with onsite sensory panels and product development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Consumer Science & Sensory strategy for EMEA.
• Manage and coach the Sensory Panel Manager.
• Drive sensory capabilities and consistency across EMEA.

Skills

FMCG experience

Leadership

Statistical analysis

Presentation skills

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office

Education

Degree in sensory/technical/food-related discipline

Job description

Consumer Science & Sensory Manager

Haddenham (Oxfordshire), UK

In this role, you’ll lead the future of flavour by driving the EMEA Consumer Science & Sensory (CS&S) strategy and shaping consumer‑led insights into innovative product design in close collaboration with Product Development. As the voice of the consumer, you’ll ensure every product experience sparks innovation and influences key business decisions across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead Consumer Science & Sensory Strategy and Execution

• Define and implement the CS&S strategy for EMEA Consumer Innovation, Renovation, and Integrity projects.
• Design and deliver sensory and consumer research programmes that guide product development from concept to shelf life.
• Translate insights into actionable recommendations, integrating CS&S findings with Consumer Marketing Insights to drive consumer‑led decision‑making.

2. Lead and Develop the CS&S Team

• Manage and coach the Sensory Panel Manager, ensuring robust panel operations, training, and data integrity.
• Foster a high‑performance culture through clear goal setting, feedback, and professional development.
• Prioritise and allocate resources effectively to meet business needs across EMEA Consumer and Flavour Solutions units.

3. Build and Strengthen CS&S Capabilities Across EMEA

• Develop and align sensory processes, tools, and training across EMEA to build regional capability and consistency.
• Drive adoption of agile, cost‑effective research methods to support business objectives.
• Collaborate with global and regional sensory teams to share best practices and enhance functional excellence.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrable experience in FMCG (Food & Drink) in a Consumer Science & Sensory role, ideally supported with people management experience.
• Strong, proven track record of successful leadership and delivery of consumer science & sensory research projects, strong statistical analysis and data interpretation skills.
• Experience working directly with onsite sensory panels, sensory scientists and product development in consumer brands.
• Successful track record of partnering with cross‑functional R&D, marketing and insights teams to support and deliver strategic business growth.
• Strong presentation skills, experience of leading stakeholder/customer presentations and/or training.
• Operational and strategic experience gained in a multi‑cultural, multi‑site and matrix working environment.
• Degree‑level qualification in a sensory/technical/food‑related discipline.
• Strong communication, influencing, and interpersonal skills; effective team player.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). #LI-DNI

Agencies: McCormick as needed will work with external recruitment vendors through our Agency Portal. Unless previously contacted, McCormick does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies.

McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, colour, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.