Sensory & Analytical Manager, Product Design

Hill's Pet Nutrition; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 145,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with company match

Vacation and holidays

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive is seeking a Sensory & Analytical Manager to lead a premier team in Topeka, KS. You will bridge sensory science, analytics, and product design to translate pet preferences into actionable product innovations.

The role emphasizes leadership of labs, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven decision making. The position focuses on advancing methodologies, driving lab operations, and delivering insights that support premium pet nutrition portfolios.

Qualifications

• PhD in Sensory Science or a related discipline.
• 4+ years in 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee creation and adaptation of sensory and analytical testing methods and establish KPIs linking lab data with pet preference and consumer satisfaction.
• Lead the Sensory and Product Design Analytical laboratories; mentor scientists and drive operational excellence.
• Develop data visualization, analytical modeling, and reporting frameworks; translate research into actionable insights for technical teams and executives.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement and external vendors to align technical deliverables with business strategies.
• Investigate core product design variables to uncover drivers of performance and consumer acceptance.

Skills

Sensory science

Laboratory leadership

Data analytics

Study design

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Sensory Science

Job description

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.