At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sensory and consumer research to shape product decisions for beloved UK brands.
- Company: Join pladis, a dynamic company at the forefront of innovation in consumer goods.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by turning consumer insights into exciting new products.
- Qualifications: Expertise in sensory science and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This role is based at the Hector Laing Development Centre in High Wycombe, where you will work at the heart of pladis innovation. You will turn consumer insight into tangible product decisions, influence some of the UK’s most loved brands, and work end‑to‑end from concept to launch. Reporting into the Head of Consumer Technical Insights, you will play a pivotal role in guiding product development through deep consumer and sensory understanding.
You will lead impactful sensory and consumer research programmes across innovation, renovation and productivity, translate complex data into clear actionable insights that shape business decisions, partner closely with Innovation, Brand, CMI and R&D teams to maximise impact, and elevate the profile of sensory and consumer science across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities- Design and deliver best‑in‑class sensory and consumer research aligned to global standards.
- Manage projects end‑to‑end (design → execution → analysis → storytelling).
- Present insights in a way that drives decisions and action across different audiences.
- Build strong cross‑functional partnerships and ensure joined‑up learning plans.
- Unlock category and competitive insights to strengthen brand strategies.
- Continuously explore and apply new methodologies and tools.
- Strong expertise in sensory and consumer science methodologies (quantitative & qualitative).
- Excellent analytical and statistical skills, with experience using tools such as RedJade, XLSTAT, R or similar.
- The ability to translate data into clear product and brand recommendations.
- Strong communication skills – able to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience working cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced, agile environment.
- Annual bonus scheme (AIP).
- Private medical insurance.
- Enhanced parental leave and return‑to‑work support.
- Pension and life assurance.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (with enhancement options).
- Volunteering day.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Access to learning, development and career growth opportunities.
To thrive here, you will embody our Winning Traits: Purpose‑led – driven by creating joy for consumers. Agile – always learning, adapting and improving. Positive – bringing energy, courage and optimism. Resilient – embracing challenge and growing from it. Collaborative – succeeding together as one team.
We believe the best ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute and thrive. pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
Sensory & Consumer Scientist employer: pladis Foods Limited
At pladis, located in the vibrant Hector Laing Development Centre in High Wycombe, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration. Our culture is rooted in purpose, agility, and positivity, offering employees a wealth of benefits including an annual bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and extensive career growth opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact on some of the UK's most beloved brands while working in a diverse and inclusive environment that values every voice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sensory & Consumer Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. Be ready to share how your experience aligns with the role of Sensory & Consumer Scientist. Use specific examples that showcase your analytical skills and ability to influence decisions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for consumer insights! During interviews, express your enthusiasm for turning data into actionable strategies. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the impact of their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at pladis.
We think you need these skills to ace Sensory & Consumer Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sensory & Consumer Scientist role. Highlight your expertise in sensory and consumer science methodologies, and don’t forget to mention any relevant tools you’ve used like RedJade or XLSTAT.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We want to see how you can turn complex data into actionable insights. Include examples of past projects where you’ve successfully analysed data and influenced product decisions. This will show us you can handle the analytical side of the role.
Communicate Clearly:Strong communication skills are key! When writing your application, make sure to present your ideas clearly and concisely. We’re looking for someone who can engage stakeholders at all levels, so demonstrate that in your writing.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at pladis and ready to contribute to our innovative culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at pladis Foods Limited
✨Know Your Sensory Science
Make sure you brush up on your sensory and consumer science methodologies. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in past projects, especially those that align with the role's requirements. This will show your expertise and how you can contribute to their innovation.
✨Data Storytelling is Key
Prepare to present insights from your previous work in a way that drives decisions. Think about how you can translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations. Practising this storytelling aspect will help you engage with different audiences during the interview.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with various teams like Innovation, Brand, and R&D. Be ready to share examples of how you've built strong partnerships and ensured joined-up learning plans. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
✨Embrace the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with pladis' Winning Traits and think about how you embody these qualities. Prepare examples that showcase your agility, positivity, resilience, and purpose-led mindset. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're a great cultural fit.
