Director, Sensory Science & Product Perf (175923)

Colgate-Palmolive; Piscataway Township (NJ); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental plan

Vision care

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Disability coverage

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive is seeking a Director of Sensory Science & Product Performance in Piscataway, NJ. You will lead the day-to-day operations of sensory testing, build and standardize processes, and manage a team of five.

This hybrid role requires 7+ years in sensory science, 3+ years as a people manager, and the ability to influence cross-functional partners in consumer products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 7+ years of professional experience in sensory science and/or consumer insights.
• 3+ years of experience as a people manager.
• Experience leading consumer/expert/employee panels and analyzing data.
• Industry experience in CPG/food tech/personal care or related products.
• Ability to present to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Set up the new Sensory & Product Performance group and lead testing.
• Oversee sensory testing with consumers, employees and expert panels.
• Standardize data collection, analysis and reporting processes.
• Benchmark tests against key competitors and gold standards.
• Build a centralized database for internal reporting and predictive insights.
• Lead the team to support Strategic Category Leads (not client facing).

Skills

Leadership

Sensory science

Data analysis

Consumer insights

Panel management

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Masters or MBA

Job description

Career Opportunities: Director, Sensory Science & Product Perf (175923)

Requisition ID175923-Posted09/08/2026-Research & Development-United States-New Jersey-Piscataway-Colgate-Palmolive-Travel - up to 10% of time-Hybrid

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number#175923 - Piscataway, New Jersey, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name! Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Summary

The Sensory Science and Product Performance Director is primarily responsible for leading the day to day operations of all sensory and product testing - consumers, employees and expert panel. This new role will set-up and standardize the process of conducting product and consumer experience testing, questionnaires, data collection and reporting

The role interacts with all of the Insights Strategic Category Leads - Oral Care, Skin Health, Personal and Home Care and will manage a team of 5 people

What you will do

• Sets-up the new group/team of Sensory and Product Performance team
• Leads all the sensory and product testing - consumers, employees and expert panel
• Oversees the setting up and standardization of the process of conducting product and consumer experience testing, questionnaires, data collection, analysis and reporting
• Ensures all testing incorporates benchmarking against key competitors/gold standard for perceivable superiority
• Leads the setting up of data collection to ensure we house and own the database for better and standard internal reporting and be more predictive and prescriptive
• Embeds the mindset of being granular/surgical with the entire product usage journey
• Leads the group which will support to the Strategic Category Leads (not client facing)
• Strong leadership
• Able to execute the vision of building a new team
• Insightful and analytical
• People-centric mindset
• Data Curation
• Connecting the dots/synthesis

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree is required
• 7+ years of professional experience in sensory science and/or consumer insights is required
• 3+ years of experience as a people manager is required
• Experience in leading consumer/expert/employee panels and analyzing resulting data is required
• Previous industry experience leading technical projects and influencing cross-functional partners within the CPG, Food Technology, Personal Care, or related consumer products experience
• Ability to communicate and present to technical and non technical audiences at all levels

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters or MBA

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $165,000.00 - $200,000.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• basic life insurance
• paid parental leave
• disability coverage
• participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements
• minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours)
• 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year)
• Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws
• Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

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