Sensory Insights Manager

Campdenbri; Chipping Campden; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Buy and sell holiday scheme

Generous pension with company match up

Job summary

Campden BRI’s Consumer & Sensory Sciences team supports leading food and drink brands with cutting-edge sensory science, consumer insight and research skills. We seek an experienced Sensory Insights Manager to lead and grow the capability, combining scientific excellence with commercial focus to deliver value for members and clients across the UK and Europe.

You will lead a team of sensory specialists, embed emerging technologies including AI, and shape new services while ensuring high-quality,

Qualifications

• Significant experience within sensory science, ideally in food & beverage.
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• PhD or equivalent expertise highly desirable.
• Deep knowledge of sensory methodologies and data analysis.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to translate findings into recommendations.
• Experience leading technical teams and developing scientific capability.

Responsibilities

• Leading the strategic development of sensory science capabilities and services.
• Driving excellence across sensory analysis, consumer research and client delivery.
• Acting as an industry ambassador at conferences and expert panels.
• Building relationships with members, clients and prospective customers to support growth.
• Providing thought leadership and developing innovative sensory approaches.
• Implementing emerging sensory methodologies and best practices.
• Exploring AI-driven approaches to enhance data analysis and insights.
• Overseeing operational management of Sensory Analysis & Testing Services.
• Enhancing insights through advanced data interpretation and reporting.
• Ensuring wellbeing and effective management of sensory panellists and lab operations.
• Managing resources, budgets, and commercial performance.
• Leading and coaching a team of sensory professionals.
• Supporting development of new services and training programs.

Skills

Sensory science

Consumer research

Project leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in Food/Sensory Science

PhD desirable

Tools

AI in sensory

Data analysis

Job description

Supportingfood manufacturers and retailers with product innovation including: rheology,new product development, value optimisation, instructional development, pilotplant, quality and food safety manufacturing, thermal processing, newtechnologies, and regulatory affairs.

Consumer & Sensory Sciences

At Campden BRI, our Consumer & Sensory Sciences team helps some of the world's leading food and drink brands make confident decisions about their products. Through cutting-edge sensory science, consumer insight and research expertise, we support innovation, product optimisation and commercial success across the industry.
We're looking for an experienced and ambitious Sensory Insights Manager to lead and grow our Sensory Sciences capability, driving scientific excellence, innovation and commercial success. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of sensory science within a respected research organisation, influence industry best practice and establish Campden BRI as a recognised centre of excellence across the UK and Europe.
Leading a team of sensory specialists and overseeing our Sensory Analysis & Testing Services, you will combine scientific expertise, strategic leadership and commercial focus to deliver exceptional value for our members and clients. You'll play a key role in developing new capabilities, embedding emerging technologies, including AI, and ensuring our sensory services remain at the forefront of industry innovation.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the strategic development of Campden BRI's sensory science capabilities and services
• Driving scientific excellence across sensory analysis, consumer research and client project delivery
• Acting as an industry ambassador, representing Campden BRI at conferences, industry groups and expert panels
• Building strong relationships with members, clients and prospective customers to support business growth and generate new opportunities
• Providing thought leadership and developing innovative approaches that enhance our sensory science offering
• Leading the implementation of emerging sensory methodologies, technologies and best practices
• Exploring and embedding AI-driven approaches within sensory science to enhance data analysis, insight generation and service delivery
• Overseeing the operational management of the Sensory Analysis & Testing Services section, ensuring high-quality, efficient and safe delivery
• Enhancing the quality and depth of sensory insights through advanced data analysis, interpretation and reporting
• Ensuring the wellbeing, engagement and effective management of sensory panellists and laboratory operations
• Managing resources, budgets and commercial performance to support sustainable growth and profitability
• Leading, coaching and developing a team of sensory professionals, creating a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
• Supporting the development of new services, consultancy opportunities and training programmes for clients

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience within sensory science, ideally within the food and beverage sector
• A degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Consumer Science or a related discipline, with a PhD or equivalent expertise highly desirable
• Deep knowledge of sensory methodologies, consumer research techniques and sensory data analysis
• Recognised technical expertise with the ability to translate complex scientific findings into practical, commercially relevant recommendations
• A passion for innovation and a strong interest in emerging technologies, including the application of AI within sensory science
• Experience leading technical teams and developing scientific capability within an organisation
• A proven track record of delivering high-quality research projects, consultancy services or technical programmes
• Strong commercial awareness and experience supporting business development, client engagement and revenue growth
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence engaging stakeholders at all levels
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capability to turn data into clear and actionable insights
• The ability to balance strategic objectives with operational delivery in a dynamic and client-focused environment
• Experience presenting at industry events, conferences or professional networks would be advantageous

What we offer

• Reward platform with employee discounts and rewards
• 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
• Buy and sell holiday scheme
• A generous work save pension scheme, with employee contributions matched by the company up to 10%
• Culture focus around work/life balance (early finish Fridays)
• Subsidised onsite restaurant