R&D Sensory Sci Associate Scientist

PepsiCo; India; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

PepsiCo is seeking a consumer research professional passionate about understanding what drives choices and turning insights into action. You will manage end-to-end consumer research projects in India and Pakistan beverages, delivering actionable guidance and ensuring timely, budget-conscious execution.

The role requires strong qualitative and quantitative skills, experience in FMCG insights, and the ability to translate data into compelling recommendations for product development and innovation

Qualifications

• Masters degree in a relevant field with strong research methodology knowledge.
• Experience in consumer research, insights, or FMCG preferred.
• Ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.
• Experience managing research projects end-to-end.

Responsibilities

• Manage India & Pakistan beverages category to drive innovation, productivity, quality and sustainability agenda.
• Lead qualitative and quantitative consumer research and sensory studies; communicate results and recommendations.
• Coordinate with research agencies for proposals and field materials.
• Ensure fieldwork meets targets, timelines and budget constraints.
• Review research reports for data quality and consistency.
• Ensure reports align with SCPI guidelines and provide clear recommendations for product developers.
• Archive research reports and maintain project lists in the consumer spend tracker.
• Monitor trends and new launches using secondary databases (Mintel, Euromonitor) and report annually.

Skills

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Insight synthesis

Education

Master's degree (Food Science, Psychology, Statistics, Engineering)

Tools

Mintel

Euromonitor

Job description

Overview

We're looking for someone who is fascinated by people, curious about what drives consumer choices, and excited to turn insights into action. If you enjoy asking \"why?\", love data as much as stories, and want to influence the next generation of foods and beverages, this role could be for you!

1. Manage end to end projects w.r.t.consumer research to partner with India & Pak Business (Beverages')


2. Deliver actionable insights and guidance to PD via the above researches


3. Ensure projects are delivered on time in full and within agreed budget and with actionable recommendations


4. Manage trends tracking & competitor mapping initiatives to aid AOP planning

Responsibilities

• Manage India & Pakistan beverages’ category to enable effective and efficient delivery of the short term and long term innovation, productivity, quality and sustainability agenda.


• Identify needs, establish learning plan, lead qualitative and quantitative consumer research and sensory research, communicate results and recommendation.


• Coordinate with research agencies for proposals and filed materials.


• Ensure field work’s quality is meeting targets and completed on time, within budget.


• Review consumer research report and check for data discrepancies.


• Ensure report complies to SCPI guidelines


• Ensure report has clear recommendations and insights for the product developers.


• Archive all consumer research reports to restricted sharepoint on regular basis and maintain the projects list in consumer spend tracker.


• Maintain India sensory lab operations and monitor budget for adherence to target amount.


• Monitor trends & new launches through secondary databases (Mintel, Euromonitor) and report on annual basis.

Qualifications

The Basics

• Master's degree in Food Science, Psychology, Statistics, Engineering, or a related field.


• 4-7 years of experience in Consumer Research, Insights, or a related FMCG function.


• Strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods.


• Knowledge of consumer testing.


• Experience managing research projects from idea to insight.


• Ability to analyse data and translate findings into simple, compelling recommendations.

The Secret Sauce

• Consumer-first mindset


• Learning agility


• Strong ownership and accountability


• Creativity backed by science


• Resilience and adaptability


• Excellent stakeholder management


• Passion for innovation


• Drive to make a real impact