Senior Consumer Technical Insights Scientist (Multiple Roles)

Mars Incorporated; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Medical and dental benefits

401(k) plan

Job summary

Mars Snacking is seeking a Senior Consumer Technical Insights Scientist to lead sensory and consumer research across multiple roles in our Chicago/Battle Creek teams. You will manage projects, apply methodologies, and mentor CTI staff to drive product development, quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness initiatives.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, collaboration with product development, marketing and QA, and staying current with industry advances in sensory science and consumer

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sensory Science or related field required; Master's preferred.
• 3+ years in R&D, technical, manufacturing or innovation roles.
• Experience in consumer psychology, behavioral science, statistics and product development related to sensory/consumer research.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional product development teams to meet project goals and mentor junior CTI scientists.
• Develop and execute complex research plans; interpret data; report results to stakeholders using descriptive analysis, discrimination testing and consumer research.
• Provide technical recommendations based on consumer psychology, food chemistry, packaging and statistics.
• Stay current with sensory/consumer science advancements and industry developments.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Statistical analysis

Consumer research

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, Consumer Science, Psychology, Statistics

Master's degree or related experience preferred

Job description

Senior Consumer Technical Insights Scientist (Multiple Roles)

Join our team as a Senior Consumer Technical Insights Scientist at Mars Snacking! We are looking for a sensory and consumer scientist with a strong analytical sensory foundation and consumer research skills to fill multiple roles on our team! This position will manage projects and apply research methodology to a variety of objectives. This position is based out of Chicago/Battle Creek, MI. Estimated travel is 10-20%.

Use your sensory and consumer science technical skills to drive new product development, product quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness projects. As an experienced technical resource to various functions, you will provide sensory and 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?

• Bachelor's degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, Consumer Science, Psychology, Statistics, or related discipline; Master's degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum 3 years relevant R&D, technical, manufacturing, or innovation experience.
• Demonstrated success providing technical recommendations related to consumer psychology and behavioral science, food chemistry, packaging, statistics and product development as it applies to sensory and consumer research.

What would your key responsibilities be?

• Cross-Functional Team Collaboration - Partner with cross functional product development teams to meet project goals. This position works closely with product development, marketing, marketing research, statistics, quality assurance, manufacturing and other Consumer Technical Insights (CTI) scientists. Together you will focus on the project objectives while developing customized research plans to meet objectives, conduct research, report and interpret results. Mentor junior CTI scientists.
• Test Execution and Methodology - Develop and align complex research plans, execute studies, interpret data, and report results a variety of stakeholders. You will use risk-based assessments to design learning plans that include descriptive analysis, discrimination testing, consumer research, and shelf-life research based in statistical design. Partner with CTI staff, guiding the development and implementation of new testing methodologies / opportunities for research.
• Technical Recommendations - Provide technical recommendations based on your knowledge of consumer psychology and behavioral science, food chemistry, packaging, statistics and product development as it applies to sensory and consumer research.
• Industry Knowledge - As a CTI scientist, you will need to keep current with advancements in sensory and consumer research, ingredient technology and food science. Take advantage of technical journals, attending technical presentations by suppliers, and networking with experts in the field.

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 108,160.00 - USD 148,720.00