Sensory & Consumer Insights Intern

Symrise AG; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Symrise AG in South Africa invites applications for a Sensory & Consumer Insights Intern role within the Marketing team. You will gain hands-on involvement in sensory evaluation, consumer research, product testing, market and consumer trends, data analysis and reporting, while collaborating with Flavourists, Application Technologists, R&D and Marketing.

Your work will turn sensory and consumer information into actionable insights to support product development and innovation, with

Job description

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances and flavors, cosmetic active ingredients as well as functional ingredients. Its customers include perfume, cosmetics, food and beverage manufacturers, the pharmaceutical industry and producers of dietary supplements and pet food.

The Group, headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, has more than 100 locations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, the USA and Latin America.

Together with its customers, Symrise develops new ideas and market-ready concepts for products that form an indispensable part of everyday life. Economic success and corporate responsibility are inextricably linked.

Symrise - always inspiring more...

About the Role

As a Sensory & Consumer Insights Intern, you will support the Marketing team in developing a deeper understanding of consumer preferences, sensory perceptions and product performance within the flavour and food & beverage industry.

This internship will give you hands‑on exposure to sensory evaluation, consumer research, product testing, market and consumer trends, data analysis and reporting. Working closely with Flavourists, Application Technologists, R&D and Marketing teams, you will help turn sensory and consumer information into meaningful insights that support product development and innovation.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the planning, preparation and execution of sensory evaluation sessions.
• Preparing samples, reference materials and products for sensory testing.
• Assisting with sensory testing of flavours, food products and beverage applications.
• Supporting descriptive analysis, discrimination testing and other sensory methodologies.
• Assisting with consumer research and analysing consumer preferences, behaviours and perceptions.
• Conducting research on consumer, category and market trends.
• Organising and analysing sensory and consumer research data.
• Preparing charts, presentations and reports to communicate key findings.
• Participating in product tastings, benchmarking activities and prototype evaluations.
• Collaborating with Flavourists, Application Technologists, R&D and other teams on product development and innovation projects.

About You

We are looking for someone who is curious, analytical and passionate about consumers, food, flavours and sensory science, with a strong interest in understanding why consumers prefer certain products and experiences.

You ideally:

• Have an academic background in Food Science, Food Technology, Consumer Science, Sensory Science, Marketing, Statistics, Biotechnology or a related field.
• Have an interest in the flavour, food and beverage industry and consumer behaviour.
• Are comfortable working with data and interested in developing your statistical and analytical skills.
• Have good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Are confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Enjoy translating data and research findings into clear insights.
• Are proactive, collaborative and comfortable working with different teams.
• Have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Are eager to learn and gain practical experience in sensory evaluation and consumer insights.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you must:

• Be an unemployed South African youth between the ages of 18 and 29.
• Hold a completed tertiary qualification.
• Be currently unemployed.
• Not have participated in a YES4Youth Programme previously.

Our Offer

Become part of our open and transparent culture. It will give you the opportunity to flourish and to develop inspiring experiences that contribute to the health and well‑being of consumers in 160 countries around the world. Putting our employees in the focus fuels our strong company growth above market rates and makes us an excellent place to develop your career.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.