At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sensory and consumer research to shape beloved snack products.
- Company: Join a fast-growing global biscuits and confectionery business.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Why this job: Combine science and creativity to influence products millions love.
- Qualifications: Expertise in sensory science and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.
As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.
To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive because we expect pace and agility, insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact.
At pladis, we create the snacks people love – from iconic biscuits to indulgent treats enjoyed around the world. But behind every product is something bigger: a passion for innovation, a commitment to quality, and a team driven to make a real difference.
If you’re looking to combine science, creativity, and consumer insight in a business that is growing fast and investing boldly in brands, people and innovation, this is your opportunity.
We’re looking for curious, ambitious individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to shape the future of global snacking. Sound like you? Let’s get started.
Based at our Hector Laing Development Centre in High Wycombe, you’ll be working at the very heart of pladis innovation. This is where ideas become reality. A unique hub bringing together Innovation, R&D, Regulatory, and Consumer Technical Insights, the centre combines cutting-edge science with real consumer understanding to create products that win in market.
With a state-of-the-art pilot plant and a highly collaborative culture, this is where you’ll:
- Turn consumer insight into tangible product decisions
- Influence some of the UK’s most loved brands
- Work end-to-end, from concept to launch
What will this role achieve? Reporting into the Head of Consumer Technical Insights, you’ll play a pivotal role in guiding product development through deep consumer and sensory understanding.
You’ll:
- 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
- Elevate the profile of sensory and consumer science across the organisation
This is a role with real influence—your insights will directly shape products millions of people enjoy.
What will be your key deliverables?
- 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
Bring your experience. We’re looking for someone who combines technical rigour with commercial awareness and thrives in a collaborative environment.
You’ll have:
- 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
What you can expect from us. At pladis, we don’t just offer a role – we offer an environment where you can grow, learn and make your mark.
You’ll benefit from:
- 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
Our culture. To thrive here, you’ll 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.
Ready to make an impact? If you’re excited by the idea of combining consumer insight, science and innovation to shape products people love – we’d love to hear from you.
pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
Sensory & Consumer Scientist in High Wycombe employer: pladis
At pladis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture at our Hector Laing Development Centre in High Wycombe. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide numerous opportunities for learning and development, alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance, an annual bonus scheme, and enhanced parental leave. Join us to be part of a purpose-led team that values innovation and diversity, where your insights will directly influence beloved global brands and contribute to our mission of bringing happiness to consumers worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sensory & Consumer Scientist in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research pladis, their brands, and their values. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your passion for bringing happiness to consumers and how you fit into their purpose-led culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions and crafting your own stories that highlight your skills in sensory and consumer science. Make sure to showcase your analytical skills and how you've influenced decisions in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the pladis team and making an impact in the world of snacking.
We think you need these skills to ace Sensory & Consumer Scientist in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your passion for consumer science and innovation aligns with our mission to bring happiness to consumers.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to customise your CV for this specific role. Highlight your experience in sensory and consumer science methodologies, and don’t forget to mention any tools you’ve used like RedJade or R. We love seeing relevant skills that match what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your experiences and insights. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can translate complex data into actionable insights, so show us you can do that right from the start!
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 serious about joining our team at pladis and making an impact in the world of snacking.
How to prepare for a job interview at pladis
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your sensory and consumer science methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied quantitative and qualitative methods in past projects. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also translate it into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Prepare examples of how you've worked cross-functionally in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your collaboration led to successful outcomes. This aligns perfectly with pladis' emphasis on teamwork and collective success.
✨Data Storytelling is Key
Practice presenting complex data in a clear and engaging way. Think about how you can turn numbers into narratives that drive decisions. This skill is crucial for influencing stakeholders at all levels, which is a big part of the role.
✨Embrace the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with pladis' Winning Traits: purpose-led, agile, positive, resilient, and collaborative. Be prepared to share how you embody these traits in your work. This will demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but for the company culture as well.
