Sensory & Consumer Scientist

McCormick; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

McCormick looks for a Sensory & Consumer Scientist to lead sensory and consumer research for the EMEA Wet Flavour Solutions portfolio in the UK, partnering with R&D, Commercial, Marketing and Quality to translate insights into actionable business recommendations.

You will design end-to-end research programmes, apply qualitative and quantitative methods, and present findings to cross-functional teams to enable confident decisions across product development and optimization initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree in Sensory & Consumer Science, Food Science or related discipline.
• Strong statistical analysis capability.
• Confident presenter with ability to communicate findings cross-functionally.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills; ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute and interpret fit-for-purpose sensory and consumer research to support product development, renovation, cost optimisation, quality improvement and de-risking initiatives. Present clear findings and recommendations that help cross-functional teams make informed product and commercial decisions.
• Advise R&D, Commercial and Marketing stakeholders, and where appropriate customers, on suitable research methodologies. Support customer presentations, technical discussions, proposals and research plans, while delivering sensory and consumer science training to build understanding and capability.
• Apply qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including focus groups, central location tests and surveys, in line with recognised standards and best practices. Drive continuous improvement in research approaches, contribute to the EMEA and Global Sensory & Consumer Science community, and support data governance and stewardship for the Wet portfolio.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Public speaking

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Degree in Sensory & Consumer Science, Food Science or related discipline

Tools

Compusense

Microsoft Office

Job description

Sensory & Consumer ScientistPeterborough, Cambridgeshire, UKThe Sensory & Consumer Scientist leads sensory and consumer research for the EMEA Wet Flavour Solutions portfolio, supporting condiment innovation, optimisation, quality improvement and customer projects from concept through launch. Partnering with R&D, Commercial, Marketing and Quality teams, the role translates robust scientific insights into clear, actionable recommendations that enable confident business decisions.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Partnering: Design, execute and interpret fit-for-purpose sensory and consumer research to support product development, renovation, cost optimisation, quality improvement and de-risking initiatives. Present clear findings and recommendations that help cross-functional teams make informed product and commercial decisions.

Customer and Stakeholder Engagement: Advise R&D, Commercial and Marketing stakeholders, and where appropriate customers, on suitable research methodologies. Support customer presentations, technical discussions, proposals and research plans, while delivering sensory and consumer science training to build understanding and capability.

Sensory and Consumer Science Excellence: Apply qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including focus groups, central location tests and surveys, in line with recognised standards and best practices. Drive continuous improvement in research approaches, contribute to the EMEA and Global Sensory & Consumer Science community, and support data governance and stewardship for the Wet portfolio.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

#LI-DNI Degree in Sensory & Consumer Science, Food Science or related discipline. Relevant experience in sensory and consumer science within FMCG (food preferrably) and B2B. Proven ability to independently design and manage end-to-end research programmes. Strong statistical analysis capability with experience interpreting complex datasets. Confident presenter, able to communicate technical findings to cross-functional and customer stakeholders. Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects. Effective influencer and collaborative team player, comfortable working across multicultural environments. Proficient in Microsoft Office and sensory/consumer software (e.g. Compusense or equivalent).

Eligible roles may participate in one of McCormick's Bonus Plans. In addition to a competitive compensation package, McCormick employees are eligible for our comprehensive Total Rewards programs, which include, but are not limited to: annual bonus health cash plan private medical insurance pension employee referral program employee assistance program.

McCormick ensures compensation is determined in line with the principle of equal pay for work of equal value, regardless of gender. 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.