Sensory Director - APAC

MMR Research; Singapore; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A global sensory and consumer research company based in Singapore is seeking a Sensory Director to oversee sensory operations across APAC. This leadership role requires a strong background in sensory science and managing diverse teams, ensuring high standards in project delivery and client satisfaction. The position offers competitive compensation and significant opportunities for professional growth within an innovative work culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday allowances

Industry-leading training opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience leading sensory panels across multiple countries.
• Strong academic foundation in sensory science.
• Experience in both research agency and client-side roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and empower a multi-country sensory team.
• Ensure high delivery standards and client satisfaction.
• Manage sensory operations and client relationships.

Skills

Leadership of sensory panels

Sensory science expertise

Project management

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree in sensory science

Job description

Sensory Director - APAC

Department: Sensory

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: SSC Singapore

Reporting To: Valerie Mialon

Compensation: $1 - $184,000 / year

Description

Are you an experienced sensory leader ready to drive an expert team and elevate sensory science across APAC?

MMR Research Worldwide is seeking a dynamic Sensory Director to lead our sensory teams and activities across Singapore, China, India, and the broader APAC region. This role reports directly to the Sensory Global Director and is a key member of the MMR Sensory Leadership Team, helping to drive strategy and innovation for our global sensory business.

About the Role

You will oversee all sensory operations in APAC, including our Sensory Science Centers (SSCs) in Singapore, China, and India, as well as client and ad-hoc sensory activities in other countries. Your focus will be on regional team leadership, client partnership, operational excellence, and supporting the continued evolution of our sensory offer.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and empower a high-performing, multi-country sensory team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous growth across APAC.
• Champion best-in-world delivery standards, ensuring every project meets the highest benchmarks for quality, impact, and client satisfaction.
• Build and nurture client relationships, providing training, consultancy, inputting on proposals, and identifying opportunities for panel collaborations.
• Oversee the management and growth of MMR’s sensory panels and client panels (conventional and agile) throughout APAC.
• Act as a center of excellence for sensory research—championing best practices, supporting the adoption of new methodologies, and ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Ensure consistently high-quality descriptive analysis, reporting, and storytelling in all project deliverables.
• Take full financial responsibility for the sensory business in APAC, including budget planning, project profitability, and timely invoicing.
• Collaborate with global and regional leaders to ensure APAC’s sensory strategy is fully integrated with MMR’s vision and BIW goals.
• Drive business development by collaborating with commercial, business development, and account leads to win new clients and projects.
• Support marketing and business development activities, working with method experts and commercial teams to promote MMR’s sensory expertise.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Proven experience leading or managing expert sensory panels and teams, ideally across multiple countries.
• A strong academic background in sensory science (minimum Master degree level).
• Experience in either research agency or client-side sensory roles; both are highly valued.
• A passion for team development, operational excellence, and delivering commercial impact.
• Strategic problem-solving skills and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Outstanding organizational, delegation, and team management abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire and collaborate across cultures.
• Strong analytical skills to extract insights and deliver commercially focused recommendations.

An interest in innovation and new research technologies, supporting their adoption as part of a broader strategy.

A bit about us and our benefits!

We’re MMR Research Worldwide – the global sensory and consumer research experts behind many of the world’s biggest brands in food, drink, personal and household care. From bold new flavours to breakthrough product experiences, we help turn great ideas into products people truly love.

With teams across the UK, US, Asia and Africa, we blend science, creativity and curiosity to shape the future of everyday products. Join us and you’ll be part of a fast-growing, innovative company where your ideas matter and your career can thrive.

It’s our people that make all of this possible.

We are proud of our collaborative culture which is driven by strong leadership and offers industry-leading training and growth opportunities.

At MMR, we're committed to ensuring the happiness and well-being of each employee, regardless of where they are in the world! We offer a wide range of core and additional benefits. Competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and market-leading training opportunities are standard here. Our vibrant culture, talented team, and focus on employee wellbeing is what makes MMR so special.