Principal Consumer Technical Insights Scientist

Mars Incorporated in; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 134,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University access

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars Snacking is seeking a Principal Consumer Technical Insights Scientist (Finance) to lead complex sensory and consumer research, applying advanced statistics and data analysis to influence product development and business outcomes.

Based in Chicago with 10-20% travel, the role integrates cross-functional teams across product development, marketing, QA, and manufacturing and mentors junior CTI scientists.

Qualifications

• Master's/PhD in sensory-related field
• Minimum 12 years' experience in deep technical roles with complex project leadership
• Experience as a statistical SME for sensory and consumer research
• Proven ability to develop predictive models linking sensory attributes to consumer acceptance and business outcomes

Responsibilities

• Cross-Functional Team Collaboration - serve as a technical expert on cross-functional product development teams to influence strategy using advanced sensory, consumer and data analysis tools
• Test Execution and Methodology - lead, design and conduct complex research studies with risk-based learning plans and advanced analytics
• Technical Recommendations - provide recommendations based on statistics, data science, and consumer psychology for sensory research
• Industry Knowledge - monitor cutting edge sensory methods and network with suppliers and field experts

Skills

Statistical analysis

Sensory science

Consumer research

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's/PhD in Sensory Science, Food Science, Consumer Science, Psychology, Statistics, or related discipline

Job description

Principal Consumer Technical Insights Scientist (Finance)

Job Description

Join our team as a Principal Consumer Technical Insights Scientist at Mars Snacking! We are looking for a sensory and consumer scientist with strong analytical statistical and sensory/consumer research skills. This position will lead complex projects and apply advanced research methodologies to a variety of objectives. This position is based out of Chicago. Estimated travel is 10-20%.

Use your deep sensory consumer science and statistical/ technical skills to distill complex problems and drive new product development, product quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness projects. As a highly experienced technical resource to various functions, you will influence strategy with rich data insights and sensory/consumer research leadership to cross-functional project teams. Together we will build a stronger future for our company and your career.

What are we looking for?

• Master's/PhD in Sensory Science, Food Science, Consumer Science, Psychology, Statistics, or related discipline
• Minimum 12 years' experience with deep technical roles and recognized subject-matter expertise and complex project leadership.
• Experience as a statistical subject matter expert for sensory and consumer research, advising teams on sample size determination and analytical approaches.
• Demonstrated success developing predictive models linking sensory attributes to consumer acceptance, product quality and business outcomes.

What will your key responsibilities be?

• Cross-Functional Team Collaboration - Serve as a recognized technical expert on cross functional product development teams to influence strategy using advanced sensory, consumer and data analysis tools. This position works closely with product development, marketing, marketing research, quality assurance, manufacturing and other Consumer Technical Insights (CTI) scientists. Mentor CTI scientists and R&D across technical expertise areas to build the overall organizational capabilities.
• Test Execution and Methodology - Independently lead, design and conduct complex research studies that result in actionable outcomes. You will use risk-based assessments to design learning plans that include a variety of analytical sensory and consumer techniques build on advanced data analytics/tools. Shape the future of CTI research through experimentation with new methods and data modeling/analysis applications. Drive standardization of best practices.
• Technical Recommendations - Provide technical recommendations based on your knowledge of statistics, data science, consumer psychology and behavioral science, food chemistry, packaging, and product development as it applies to sensory and consumer research.
• Industry Knowledge - As a Principal CTI scientist, you will be scanning the horizon for cutting edge sensory science/analysis methods through meetings and conferences. You will network with suppliers and experts in the field to vet and implement new methods.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 134,400.00 - USD 184,800.00