Sensory and Analytical Manager, Product design

Society; Topeka (KS); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Hill's Pet Nutrition, a division of Colgate-Palmolive, seeks a Sensory & Analytical Manager to lead an elite team translating pet preferences into actionable insights for product innovation.

The role bridges sensory science, advanced analytics, and technical insights to drive data-driven decisions across premium product portfolios.

Qualifications

• PhD in Sensory Science or a related discipline.
• Experience leading scientific teams in food/pet food.
• Strong design of human sensory studies and lab experiments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sensory and analytical testing method development.
• Lead lab operations and mentor scientists.
• Direct data visualization, analytics modeling, and reporting.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, quality, regulatory, and procurement.
• Explore design variables to optimize product performance.

Skills

PhD in Sensory Science

Team leadership

Sensory study design

Lab design

Data analytics

Regulatory knowledge

Education

PhD in Sensory Science

Job description

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!

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 Hill's 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:

• 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.

This position requires 4 days in the Topeka, Kansas office and 1 remote day per week.

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.