Sensory & Analytical Manager, Product Design

Colgate; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 145,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive, home to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, seeks a Sensory & Analytical Manager, Product Design, in Topeka, KS. Lead a scientific team to translate pet preferences into innovative product insights, bridging sensory science with advanced analytics to guide strategic decisions.

You will drive methodology, manage labs, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to optimize ingredients and design for consumer acceptance and premium portfolios.

Qualifications

• PhD in Sensory Science or related discipline.
• 4+ years in food or pet food industry with direct supervisory experience.
• Proven mastery of human sensory study design, laboratory experimental design, and advanced analytical food testing methods.
• Understanding of regulatory, product safety, and quality standards relevant to companion animal or human food production.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sensory and analytical methodology development and execution.
• Lead and develop a team of scientists in Topeka, ensuring project delivery and growth.
• Direct data visualization, analytical modeling, and reporting frameworks for stakeholders.
• Partner with Product Development, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, and external vendors to align technical deliverables.
• Investigate ingredients, processing parameters, and design factors to drive product performance and consumer acceptance.

Skills

Innovation

Teamwork

Collaboration

Execution

Sensory study design

Lab design

Analytical methods

Education

PhD in Sensory Science

Tools

Advanced analytics

Job description

A part of Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, Hill's Pet Nutrition offers the highest-quality pet nutrition available through product lines Prescription Diet® and Science Diet®. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food.

Available in approximately 80 countries around the world, our extensive line of products includes more than 60 Prescription Diet brand pet foods and more than 50 Science Diet brand pet foods.

We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That is why we are proud our pet foods can make a difference in your pet's life.

A career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition or Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

Job Title

Sensory & Analytical Manager, Product Design

Travel Required?

Travel - up to 10% of time

Posting Start Date

9/11/26

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number#175941 - Topeka, Kansas, 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.

Role Summary

Drive the future of pet nutrition by leading high-impact sensory and analytical research. As the Sensory & Analytical Manager, you will lead an elite group of scientists in pioneering novel methodologies that translate pet preference and pet parent perceptions into actionable insights to drive product innovation. By bridging sensory science, advanced analytics, and technical insights, you will champion data-driven decisions that elevate our premium product portfolios.

Responsibilities

The Sensory & Analytical Manager, Product Design, located in Topeka, KS, will lead a dynamic group of scientists and oversee groundbreaking research. Responsibilities include:

Methodology Innovation & Execution: Oversee the creation and adaptation of cutting-edge sensory and analytical testing methods. Establish key performance indicators that directly correlate laboratory data with pet preference and consumer satisfaction.

Lab & Team Leadership: Manage the Sensory and Product Design Analytical laboratories. Mentor, coach, and develop a team of scientists, driving operational excellence, project execution, and career growth.

Data Strategy & Advanced Analytics: Direct the development of advanced data visualization, analytical modeling, and reporting frameworks. Synthesize complex research into clear, actionable insights for both technical teams and executive stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Product Development, Colony Management, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, and external vendor networks to align technical deliverables with overarching business strategies.

Ingredient & Design Optimization: Investigate core product design variables—including ingredients, processing parameters, and aesthetics—to uncover underlying drivers of performance and consumer acceptance.

Required Qualifications

PhD in Sensory Science or a related discipline.

4+ years of food or pet food industry experience, including direct supervisory experience managing scientific teams.

Proven mastery of human sensory study design, laboratory experimental design, and advanced analytical food testing methods.

Understanding of regulatory, product safety, and quality standards relevant to companion animal or human food production.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in driving Innovation, Teamwork, Collaboration & Effective Execution.

Experience in Product Design, Technological Innovation, Technology Fundamentals, Execution Excellence, Problem Solving, Flexibility & Adaptability.

Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional projects, managing lab operations, and driving innovative research to commercial execution.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $145,000.00 - $170,000.00 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.

• Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 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.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here .

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