Sensory & Consumer Insights Scientist

PepsiCo Inc.; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

PepsiCo Inc. in South Africa seeks a senior sensory and consumer research professional to develop and implement strategies that inform product design across Grains & Bakeries and Beverages.

You will leverage global and local capabilities, integrating insights with technical expertise to support the R&D organization. You’ll partner with cross-functional teams, translate consumer learning into actionable recommendations, and help shape the consumer science roadmap while mentoring team members and

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline with strong foundations in test design, research methodologies, and statistical analysis techniques.
• Relevant work experience in sensory or consumer research/insights, ideally within FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to implement the global Consumer Science innovation research roadmap, ensuring local alignment with the Technical Stage Gate (TSG) process.
• Develop integrated research plans that span Gates 2 to 4 of the TSG process, aligning stakeholders across R&D, Consumer Insights, and Marketing.
• Localize and apply global Consumer Science processes to drive efficiency in time and cost across supported teams.
• Support the Consumer Science Manager and advocate the team’s vision and mission.
• Deliver actionable insights through interpretation of qualitative and quantitative consumer research for senior leadership.

Skills

Consumer insights

Sensory research

Statistical analysis

Test design

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master’s or PhD in Psychology, Food Science, or Sensory Science

Job description

PepsiCo Inc. in South Africa seeks a senior sensory and consumer research professional to develop and implement strategies that inform product design across Grains & Bakeries and Beverages.

You will leverage global and local capabilities, integrating insights with technical expertise to support the R&D organization. You’ll partner with cross-functional teams, translate consumer learning into actionable recommendations, and help shape the consumer science roadmap while mentoring team members and