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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sensory and consumer research to drive innovation in food and beverage experiences.
- Company: Join PepsiCo, a global leader in the food and beverage industry, shaping future consumer experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for mentorship and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Make a global impact by translating consumer insights into innovative product designs.
- Qualifications: Master’s or PhD in relevant fields with 2-3 years of industry experience required.
- Other info: Work in Leicester or Cork, collaborating with diverse teams and cultures.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
PepsiCo is looking for an R&D Sensory & Consumer Experience Scientist to join in Leicester, UK or Cork, Ireland office. Are you passionate about understanding consumers and shaping the future of food and beverage experiences? PepsiCo is seeking a dynamic and strategic Senior Scientist to join our R&D Sensory & Consumer Experience team. In this influential role, you’ll lead sensory and consumer research that drives innovation, brand growth, and product excellence across our global portfolio. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate insights into impactful product design decisions—fueling innovation and transformation across Foods and Beverages. If you’re driven by curiosity, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to make a global impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Research Leadership: Develop and execute integrated sensory and consumer research plans that support innovation, brand stewardship, and productivity initiatives.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, Consumer Insights, and Marketing to align research strategies with business goals and ensure adherence to the TSG process.
- Global to Local Execution: Adapt and implement global sensory protocols to local markets, driving efficiency and consistency in research practices.
- Insight Translation: Deliver clear, actionable insights from both qualitative and quantitative research to inform product development and influence senior stakeholders.
- Capability Building: Mentor and coach peers to elevate research standards and promote best practices across the organization.
- Vendor & Resource Management: Collaborate with external vendors/partners to ensure high-quality research design and execution aligned with best practices.
Qualifications
- Educational Background: Master’s or PhD in Sensory Science, Psychology, Food Science, or a related field.
- Industry Experience: At least 2–3 years (with Master’s or PhD) or 5+ years (with Bachelor’s) in sensory or consumer research, ideally within FMCG.
- Research Expertise: Deep knowledge of sensory, qualitative and quantitative testing methods, with a passion for applying cutting-edge consumer science techniques.
- Business Acumen: Ability to connect technical insights with commercial strategy and broader business objectives.
- Analytical & Communication Skills: Strong data interpretation skills, with the ability to distill complex findings into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
- Digital Fluency: Comfortable with digital tools and systems in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Cultural Agility: Able to work effectively across geographies and cultures, with a collaborative and inclusive mindset.
- Self-starter, self-motivating – very high drive for results and able to deal with uncertainty and complexity.
R&D Senior Sensory and Consumer Scientist employer: PepsiCo
Contact Detail:
PepsiCo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Senior Sensory and Consumer Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sensory science and consumer research. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews, showcasing your passion and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those involved in sensory and consumer research. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences, which can provide valuable insights for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've applied sensory research methods in past roles. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability to lead research initiatives effectively and align with PepsiCo's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work collaboratively across teams by preparing anecdotes that illustrate your cross-functional collaboration skills. This is crucial for the role, as you'll be partnering with various departments to drive innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Senior Sensory and Consumer Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sensory and consumer research. Emphasise your educational background, particularly if you have a Master’s or PhD in Sensory Science, Psychology, or Food Science.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for understanding consumers and how it aligns with PepsiCo's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've led research initiatives that drove innovation and product excellence.
Showcase Your Research Skills: Detail your experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Highlight any specific projects where you translated insights into actionable product design decisions, as this is crucial for the role.
Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams across R&D, Consumer Insights, and Marketing. This will show your ability to align research strategies with business goals, which is key for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at PepsiCo
✨Showcase Your Research Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in sensory and consumer research. Highlight specific projects where you applied innovative methodologies and how they contributed to product development. This will demonstrate your deep knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various teams, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with R&D, Marketing, or Consumer Insights in the past. This will show that you can align research strategies with business goals effectively.
✨Prepare for Insight Translation
Think about how you can distil complex data into actionable insights. Be ready to explain how you've previously communicated findings to stakeholders and influenced product design decisions. This skill is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Agility
Given the global nature of the position, be prepared to discuss your experiences working across different cultures. Share how you’ve adapted research protocols for local markets while maintaining consistency, showcasing your ability to navigate diverse environments.
