FMCG Sensory Research Lead

SAM Sensory and Consumer Research; Reading; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SAM Sensory and Consumer Research in Reading is seeking an Associate Research Director to lead 3-4 FMCG accounts and grow client partnerships. You will oversee multi-project delivery, mentor 2-3 Research Managers, and shape strategies with quantitative research and essential qualitative input.

Reporting to a Research Director, you will drive revenue targets, develop proactive risk plans, and deliver high‑quality studies across regions, ensuring alignment with client priorities and market trends.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in consumer research and/or sensory research.
• Experience in FMCG product testing using HUTs, CLTs, IDIs.
• Significant experience in quantitative consumer research methodologies.
• Foundational understanding of qualitative research.
• Experience in a Research Manager role.
• Excellent written and oral English.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong leadership to manage teams and oversee large-scale research initiatives.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Rigorous, responsive and proactive.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for 3-4 FMCG product testing Accounts: client retention, client delight and account growth
• Ensure revenue targets for assigned accounts are achieved
• Develop proactive plans to address risks and capitalise on opportunities within accounts
• Oversee timely, accurate, and high‑quality project delivery for Account team
• Lead the development and delivery of complex proposals and tenders
• Bring technical expertise and ensure the use of best‑practice methodologies
• Deliver complex regional and global projects: play active role in project management, reporting and holistic delivery of projects
• Provide strategic, story‑led recommendations based on client feedback, market trends, and project performance
• Ensure project execution aligns with client objectives and broader business priorities
• Line manage 2-3 Research Managers; workload allocation and resource planning; coaching and training

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Project management

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Tools

MS Office Word

MS Office Excel

MS Office PowerPoint

Job description

SAM Sensory and Consumer Research in Reading is seeking an Associate Research Director to lead 3-4 FMCG accounts and grow client partnerships. You will oversee multi-project delivery, mentor 2-3 Research Managers, and shape strategies with quantitative research and essential qualitative input.

Reporting to a Research Director, you will drive revenue targets, develop proactive risk plans, and deliver high‑quality studies across regions, ensuring alignment with client priorities and market trends.