Manager Renovation Strategy

Tyson Foods; Springdale (AR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Tyson Foods in Springdale, AR is seeking a Manager Renovation Strategy to lead sensory learning for assigned categories, shaping product innovation and ensuring quality standards across flagship products. You will design validation studies, translate insights into actionable guidance for R&D, and collaborate with Marketing, Consumer Insights, and Product Development.

The role requires extensive experience in sensory science, strong communication, and project management; relocation may be

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or related field.
• Master's degree or Sensory Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes the sensory learning plans for assigned categories and projects.
• Balances hybrid research approaches with existing knowledge to deliver actionable guidance for R&D.
• Translates consumer expectations into functional product development guidance and optimization recommendations.
• Partners with R&D in evaluating feasibility and guiding development for new technologies.
• Mentors and supports junior team members through training and coaching.
• Stays up to date on new research techniques and applies methods through a test-and-learn approach.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, and Quality.

Skills

Sensory analysis

Project management

Communication skills

Data interpretation

Microsoft Office

Power BI

DI/DA/CLT sensory tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or related field

Master’s degree (M.S.) or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

SIMs

RedJade

Job description

Management Level:

87

Work Shift:

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Job Summary:

The Manager Renovation Strategy is a key business partner to their assigned category or portfolio within a strategic Business Unit, driving the sensory learning agenda for that area. From front end exploration of sensory cues to robust validation, the Manager Renovation Strategy plays an important role in designing and launching winning innovative products. As a champion of our Consumer Product Performance Program, the Manager Renovation Strategy helps ensure that our flagship products maintain the quality expectations of our consumers. As the sensory lead for their assigned categories, the Manager Renovation Strategy executes guidance and validation studies for key innovation priorities, supports consumer product quality on existing products, and validates cost savings initiatives to fuel growth. As a product attribute expert, the Manager Renovation Strategy works collaboratively with R&D, Marketing, and Consumer Insights to translate sensory insights into recommendations that inform decisions across the categories served.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and executes the sensory learning plans for assigned categories and projects to address project objectives
• Functions independently with ownership of assigned categories, escalating strategic questions and priority conflicts to Sensory leadership as appropriate
• Balances hybrid research approaches with existing knowledge and an understanding of key sensory attributes to deliver timely, actionable guidance for R&D
• Serves as the product attribute expert for assigned categories, with a solid understanding of key sensory attributes and drivers of liking
• Translates consumer expectations into functional product development guidance and optimization recommendations
• Partners with R&D in evaluating feasibility and guiding development for new technologies
• Regularly shares key insights with cross-functional partners and Sensory leadership, and offers recommendations on product-related challenges
• Supports the consumer product performance program and contributes recommendations to strategic planning
• Supports optimization and training for one or more major programs (e.g., Product Testing Guidelines, Training)
• Stays up to date on new research techniques through conferences, research materials, and industry experts; applies methods new to Tyson Foods, as appropriate, through a “test and learn” approach
• Builds and maintains working partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality, and External Research Vendors
• Mentors and supports junior team members through training and coaching

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study is required. Master’s degree (M.S.), Ph.D., or Sensory Certification is preferred.

Work Experience:

• 6+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Bachelor’s degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study
• 4+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Master’s degree
• 2+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Ph.D.
• 12+ years of relevant and practical work experience required without an applicable degree
• Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products is preferred
• Prior experience with some advanced methods such as Drivers of Liking, IHUTs, and combination quant/qual is preferred

Special Job Competencies:

• Strong understanding and application of core sensory tools (DI, DA, CLT) and working knowledge of advanced methods (design of experiments, category appraisals, etc.); skilled at applying front end research techniques and tools to assess product and packaging functionality
• Strong planning and project management skills; experience working through challenges and managing a research budget as business needs change
• Ability to work through ambiguous situations while adjusting to business needs and anticipating future needs
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), including pivot tables and data visualization tools like Power BI. Proficiency in Sensory software such as SIMs or RedJade is preferred

Communication Skills:

• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills as well as strong presentation skills, with the ability to deliver clear research insights. Comfortable speaking with audiences at various levels of the organization and able to ask thoughtful questions and respond effectively to questions in the moment.

Supervisory: N/A

Travel: Up to 25%

Internal Management & Management Support Applicants:

Automatic notification to your current manager will be initiated upon selection for interview. This applies to all candidates who are level 79 or above.

All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Referral Payout Eligible:

No

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.