Sr Sensory Scientist - Meals and Beverage

The Campbell's Company; Camden (NJ); On-site; USD 116,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) match

Unlimited sick leave

PTO and holidays

On-site fitness center

On-site child care

Job summary

The Campbell’s Soup Company is seeking a Senior Sensory Scientist to independently lead sensory and consumer research programs for the Meals and Beverage Division. You will partner with cross-functional teams to translate product needs into robust research strategies and actionable recommendations.

With 6+ years in sensory science, you will design studies across the stage-gate process, apply DoE methods, and mentor colleagues while supporting innovation, renovation, and quality initiatives.

Qualifications

• Must have 6+ years of relevant experience in sensory science, consumer research, product research, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, Consumer Science, Market Research, Statistics, Food Technology, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior sensory science lead on project teams, recommending research strategies and appropriate methods.
• Partner with R&D, Marketing, Insights, Quality, and other stakeholders to align priorities and maximize impact.
• Lead sensory and consumer research projects from problem definition to results communication.
• Translate complex business questions into actionable research objectives and plans.
• Develop knowledge of Meals and Beverage products, sensory profiles, and category dynamics to guide development.

Skills

Sensory science

Consumer research

Statistics

Experimental design

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SIMS

Compusense

FIZZ

SAS

JMP

Minitab

Job description

Since 1869 we've connected people through food they love. We’re proud to be stewards of amazing brands that people trust. Our portfolio includes the iconic Campbell’s brand, as well as Michael Angelo’s, Pace, Pacific Foods, Prego, Rao’s Homemade, Swanson, and V8. In our Snacks division, we have brands like Cape Cod, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Pepperidge Farm, Snack Factory, and Snyder’s of Hanover. Here, you will make a difference every day. You will be supported to build a rewarding career with opportunities to grow, innovate and inspire. Make history with us. Why Campbell’s… Benefits begin on day one and include medical, dental, short and long-term disability, AD&D, and life insurance (for individual, families, and domestic partners). Employees are eligible for our matching 401(k) plan and can enroll on the first day of employment with immediate vesting. Campbell’s offers unlimited sick time along with paid time off and holiday pay. If in WHQ – free access to the fitness center. Access to on‑site day care (operated by Bright Horizons) and company store. Giving back to the communities where our employees work and live is very important to Campbell’s. Our “Campbell’s Cares” program matches employee donations and/or volunteer activity up to $1,500 annually. Campbell’s has a variety of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support employees.

How you will make history here…

The Senior Sensory Scientist will independently lead sensory and consumer research programs for the Meals and Beverage Division. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Sensory – Meals and Beverage, this individual will serve as a strategic and technical partner to cross‑functional teams, translating business and product development needs into robust research strategies.

You will design and execute sensory and consumer research throughout the stage‑gate process, integrate sensory, consumer, analytical, and product data as appropriate, and deliver clear, actionable recommendations that guide innovation, renovation, quality, and business growth. We are seeking an individual who can combine strong sensory science expertise with business acumen to help shape the future of some of our iconic brands.

What you will do...

• Serve as the senior sensory science lead on project teams, recommending research strategies and selecting the most appropriate sensory and consumer methods to address key business and technical objectives.
• Partner closely with R&D, Marketing, Insights, Quality, and other cross‑functional stakeholders to align research priorities, influence project direction, and maximize business impact.
• Independently lead sensory and consumer research projects from problem definition and study design through data collection, analysis, interpretation, recommendation, and communication of results.
• Translate complex or ambiguous business and product‑development questions into focused research objectives, integrated learning plans, and actionable recommendations.
• Develop and apply deep knowledge of Meals and Beverage products, sensory profiles, consumer expectations, and category dynamics to guide product development and differentiation.
• Integrate sensory, consumer, analytical, and product data, as appropriate, to develop sound, evidence‑based recommendations and clearly communicate business implications, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead internal product evaluations and tasting experiences across categories, translating observations into critical sensory insights and product‑development guidance leveraging our “Mind the Gap” philosophy.
• Design and execute sensory research using appropriate methodologies and statistical approaches to support innovation, renovation, enablers, business continuity, and quality initiatives.
• Develop and apply actionable Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches in partnership with key stakeholders to efficiently answer product and research questions.
• Provide technical guidance to colleagues and project teams, share best practices, and contribute to the development and adoption of new sensory and consumer research capabilities.
• Identify and partner with external research providers as needed, providing technical direction and ensuring methodological rigor, data quality, timely delivery, and effective communication of results.
• Continually explore and apply approaches that strengthen understanding of the quantifiable dimensions of flavor, texture, and the overall product experience.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Who you will work with…

The Senior Sensory Scientist will work cross‑functionally with members of Research and Development, Business Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Legal, Brand, Sales, Consumer Insights, and Operations, promoting the use of sensory and consumer/product research to influence decisions, guide product development, and unlock meaningful product differentiation that delivers the desired consumer experience.

This role reports to the Senior Manager, Sensory – Meals and Beverage.

What you bring to the table… (Must Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, Consumer Science, Market Research, Statistics, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• 6+ years of relevant experience in sensory science, consumer research, product research, or a related field within a CPG organization, research supplier, consultancy, or comparable environment.

It would be great if you have… (Nice to Have

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Sensory Science, Food Science, Consumer Science, Statistics, or a related discipline.
• Experience working within or supporting the CPG food and beverage industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in sensory and consumer science, including discrimination testing, descriptive analysis, quantitative consumer research, and application of experimental design.
• Experience with technical tools that support sensory testing, experimental design, and data analysis, such as SIMS, Compusense, FIZZ, SAS, JMP, Minitab, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience with multivariate statistical techniques and integrating sensory, consumer, and other product data to generate insights.
• Experience partnering with external sensory and consumer research suppliers.
• Ability to independently select appropriate research methods, analyze and interpret statistical results, synthesize multiple sources of information, and translate findings into meaningful product and business recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with business and technical teams, constructively influence stakeholders, and provide a clear, evidence‐based point of view on research strategy, study design, findings, and recommended actions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, compelling, and actionable stories for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple concurrent projects, balance changing priorities, and deliver high‑quality work within agreed timelines.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to operate independently while contributing effectively within cross‑functional teams.
• Strong visual storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate research findings and recommendations to cross‑functional and leadership audiences.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Headquarters office, Research Kitchen, Pilot Plant, and Manufacturing Plants, including Campbell’s Soup Company facilities, co‑manufacturers, and vendor locations.
• Willingness and ability to taste and evaluate a wide range of food products and ingredients.
• Work may expose the employee to heat and hot food products, coolers, and freezers requiring the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Must be available to travel to customers, suppliers, research facilities, and production facilities, with anticipated travel of approximately 20%.

Compensation and Benefits: The target base salary range for this full‑time, salaried position is between $116,200-$159,800. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job‑related skills, and relevant education or training. Total pay may include other forms of compensation. In addition, we offer competitive health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment. Please ask your Talent Acquisition Partner for more information about our total rewards package.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and qualified applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, including consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law.