Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist

Mars Wrigley Confectionery UK (SLO, WAL, ISB & PAD); Slough; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading confectionery company in Slough is seeking a Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist to transform consumer insights into unforgettable product experiences. The role involves designing sensory research, partnering with product developers, and guiding product innovation. The ideal candidate has a background in sensory science and FMCG. Competitive salary of GBP62,500 - GBP76,000 with annual bonus and benefits.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Car allowance

Best-in-class learning and development support

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in FMCG industry with strong sensory science experience.
• Solid scientific expertise with the ability to translate findings into recommendations.
• Strong communication skills to engage cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, lead, and analyze sensory and consumer research.
• Partner with product developers for high-quality experience delivery.
• Guide claims development and validation for product superiority.
• Anticipate consumer trends and inspire innovation.
• Mentor colleagues to build sensory-centric capabilities.

Skills

Sensory science

Consumer insights

Data analysis

Communication

Creative problem-solving

Education

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

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Overview

Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist – Location: Slough/ Paddington, United Kingdom. Salary: GBP62,500 - GBP76,000, annual bonus, car allowance, benefits.

Shape the Future of Snacks & Treats - Join Us as a Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist. We are seeking a Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist to join our Consumer Technical Insights team and help transform consumer insights into unforgettable product experiences. In this role, you will sit at the intersection of R&D, Marketing, and Innovation, ensuring that every product—whether gum, fruity treats, chocolates, or iconic brands like Bounty, Milky Way, Maltesers, and regional specialties—delivers a consistent high-quality experience to consumers across EMEA.

The Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist is a trusted partner to cross-functional teams, ensuring products are created and manufactured consistently while embracing new ideas and market-driven innovations. With deep expertise in Sensory science, Consumer Insights and the FMCG/snacks industry, you will guide the translation of data into insights that lead to meaningful, consumer-centric solutions that shape the future of our categories.

Why Join Us?

• Make an impact: Translate sensory and consumer insights into product, packaging, and brand innovation.
• Be a connector: Partner closely with R&D, Product Developers, Marketing both Global and Regional teams to deliver immediate project needs while also influencing strategy and shaping the future of snacks & treats.
• Be a problem solver and catalyst: Apply innovative/advanced research methodologies to get unstuck and uncover opportunities that take us faster to compelling product stories.

What will you do?

• Design, lead, and analyze sensory and consumer research to deliver actionable insights, decisional and diagnostic.
• Partner with product developers to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality experience while enabling innovation, cost optimization, regulatory challenges, etc.
• Guide claims development and validation to support storytelling and product superiority.
• Anticipate consumer trends, cultural shifts, and market needs across EU to inspire future innovation.
• Mentor and coach colleagues, building sensory and consumer-centric mindset and capabilities across the business.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Psychology, Statistics, or related field (Master's preferred), or equivalent experience.
• Industry expertise: Proven background in the FMCG (ideally food/snacks) industry with strong sensory science and consumer research experience.
• Technical skills: Solid scientific expertise, advanced data analysis, and ability to translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Leadership/Strategic Influencing: Strong communication and storytelling skills to engage and inspire cross-functional partners regardless of level.
• Mindset: Creative problem-solver, adaptable, nimble, able to thrive in ambiguity and bring a clear POV (even if it’s not great news).

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to 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 are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here