R&D Senior Sensory and Consumer Scientist

PepsiCo; Leicester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a dynamic R&D Sensory & Consumer Experience Scientist to join their Leicester office. In this role, you will lead sensory and consumer research, collaborating with teams to drive innovation and product excellence. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s or PhD in a relevant field and industry experience in sensory or consumer research.

Qualifications

• Experience in sensory or consumer research, ideally within FMCG.
• Deep knowledge of qualitative and quantitative testing methods.
• Ability to connect technical insights with commercial strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated sensory and consumer research plans.
• Partner with R&D, Consumer Insights, and Marketing teams.
• Deliver actionable insights from qualitative and quantitative research.

Skills

Research Design

Statistical Analysis

Data Interpretation

Communication

Analytical Skills

Digital Fluency

Education

Master’s or PhD in Sensory Science, Psychology, Food Science

Job description

Overview

PepsiCo is looking for R&D Sensory & Consumer Experience Scientist to join in Leicester, UK or Cork, Ireland office.

Are you passionate about understanding consumers and shaping the future of food and beverage experiences? PepsiCo is seeking a dynamic and strategic Senior Scientist to join our R&D Sensory & Consumer Experience team.

In this influential role, you’ll lead sensory and consumer research that drives innovation, brand growth, and product excellence across our global portfolio. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate insights into impactful product design decisions—fueling innovation and transformation across Foods and Beverages.

If you’re driven by curiosity, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to make a global impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Research Leadership: Develop and execute integrated sensory and consumer research plans that support innovation, brand stewardship, and productivity initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, Consumer Insights, and Marketing to align research strategies with business goals and ensure adherence to the TSG process.
• Global to Local Execution: Adapt and implement global sensory protocols to local markets, driving efficiency and consistency in research practices.
• Insight Translation: Deliver clear, actionable insights from both qualitative and quantitative research to inform product development and influence senior stakeholders.
• Capability Building: Mentor and coach peers to elevate research standards and promote best practices across the organization.
• Vendor & Resource Management: Collaborate with external vendors/ partners to ensure high-quality research design and execution aligned with best practices.

Qualifications

Key Skills/Experience Required:

• Educational Background: Master’s or PhD in Sensory Science, Psychology, Food Science, or a related field. Strong foundation in research design, methodologies, and statistical analysis.
• Industry Experience: at least 2–3 years (with Master’s or PhD) or 5+ years (with Bachelor’s) in sensory or consumer research, ideally within FMCG.
• Research Expertise: Deep knowledge of sensory, qualitative and quantitative testing methods, with a passion for applying cutting-edge consumer science techniques.
• Business Acumen: Ability to connect technical insights with commercial strategy and broader business objectives.
• Analytical & Communication Skills: Strong data interpretation skills, with the ability to distill complex findings into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Digital Fluency: Comfortable with digital tools and systems in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Cultural Agility: Able to work effectively across geographies and cultures, with a collaborative and inclusive mindset.
• Self-starter, self-motivating – very high drive for results and able to deal with uncertainty and complexity.

Note: The job description contains duplicated sections and some repetitive content, which has been streamlined for clarity and conciseness.