Sensory & Consumer Scientist in High Wycombe

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.