Sensory & Consumer Scientist in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

Energy Jobline CVL; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

McCormick in Peterborough, UK seeks a Sensory & Consumer Scientist to lead sensory and consumer research for the EMEA Wet Flavour Solutions portfolio, partnering with R&D, Commercial, Marketing and Quality to translate data into actionable recommendations from concept through launch.

You will design end-to-end studies, apply qualitative and quantitative methods, present findings to cross-functional teams, and drive continuous improvement while collaborating across multicultural environments.

Qualifications

• Degree in Sensory & Consumer Science, Food Science or related discipline.
• Relevant FMCG or B2B sensory and consumer science experience.
• Ability to independently design and manage end-to-end research programmes.
• Strong statistical analysis capability with experience interpreting complex datasets.
• Confident presenting findings to cross-functional and customer stakeholders.
• Strong planning and organisational skills with multiple concurrent projects.
• Collaborative team player; comfortable in multicultural environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and sensory/consumer software.

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.
• 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

Presentation skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Research design

Data interpretation

Education

Degree in Sensory & Consumer Science

Tools

Compusense

Microsoft Office

Job description

Sensory & Consumer Scientist

The 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

• Degree in Sensory & Consumer Science, Food Science and related discipline.
• Relevant experience in sensory and consumer science within FMCG (food preferrably) or 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).

First consideration will be given to employees who have been displaced from their jobs for positions with the same grade or lower. If there are no qualified candidates, all other employees will then be considered. No displaced employee will receive preferential consideration for a promotional opportunity.

McCormick may recruit external candidates concurrently in order to expedite the recruitment process. Qualified internal candidates submitting bids within the first ten (10) days of the job being posted will be considered before external candidates. Internal bids received after the tenth (10th) day will be considered along with external candidates.

McCormick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. If you are a qualified applicant, you will receive consideration for employment without regard to , , , , , , , , protected veteran status, , or any other characteristic protected by law