At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead consumer research for iconic food brands, ensuring top product quality through data analytics.
- Company: Join Premier Foods, a leading British food company with a rich heritage and global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension, life assurance, and employee discounts at hundreds of retailers.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in beloved food products while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, 12 months experience in sensory research, and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and training in a supportive, inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Based in Worksop (on site approx 3-4 days per week) Permanent. We are proud to be British, employing over 4,000 people operating from 13 manufacturing and office sites across the UK. We supply a range of customers including retailers, wholesalers, convenience stores and foodservice customers with our iconic products which feature in millions of homes.
A leading food business - We operate primarily in the ambient food sector, which is one of the largest sectors within the total UK grocery market. We feature in key grocery categories of: Flavourings & Seasonings; Quick Meals, Snacks & Soups; Ambient Desserts and Cooking Sauces & Accompaniments. Within Sweet Treats we operate in the Ambient Cakes category. In addition, we have a non-branded food business which manufactures products such as cakes and desserts on behalf of many UK food retailers.
Food for all occasions - Our brands are leaders in their categories with high household penetration and bought by 90% of UK households. We also have a growing international business, with many of our brands enjoyed by consumers across the world.
Expanding our global presence - We are driving growth in our international business through the deployment of our branded growth model. Our largest international businesses are in Australia, North America and Ireland, with our focus on Mr Kipling, Sharwood's cooking sauces and The Spice Tailor.
Purpose: As a Consumer Research Technologist, you will be working across our entire portfolio of brands including Sharwoods, Mr Kipling, Batchelors, Oxo and Ambrosia. You will be working as part of the Sensory and Product Analytics team to deliver Sensory and Consumer Research together with data analytics, working towards the team's core vision to drive Premier Foods Product quality through research and data Analytics, ensuring consumer liking is maximised and core product loyalty is protected, resulting in top performing products in market.
What you'll be doing: You will be the lead contact for consumer research for Quick Meal Solutions and Flavours and Seasonings - Focusing on our core brands of Batchelors, Oxo, Bisto and Paxo. You will support occasional delivery of Trained Sensory Panel testing. You will work closely with NPD, Marketing and Insights Teams to plan and deliver product research utilising consumers and employees through Central Location Testing and Home Use Testing to assess product and packaging. You will work closely with research agencies delivering consumer research and will be responsible for briefing projects and ensuring best practices are followed, this includes occasional attendance at fieldwork. You will lead multiple projects across a range of products, delivering research for Innovation, Quality Improvement, Quality monitoring and cost recovery. For each project you will be involved in every stage of running projects from obtaining background information, sourcing samples, running cook ups, packing products, recruiting respondents, developing questionnaire and carrying statistical analysis and report creation to present to key stakeholders. You will be accountable for Project Management, Implementing Premier Sensory Group Best Practices, following Health and Safety regulations and Guidelines and follow procedures, Identifying your own training needs and building a training plan with your manager.
What we need from you:
- A passion for food, with good understanding of Sensory and Consumer Research
- Minimum 12 months experience in sensory or consumer research, this can be from a placement
- Essential - must be knowledgeable in principles of Sensory Science & Sensory Evaluation Methodologies
- Essential - Full UK Driving License
- Essential - Highly competent user of Excel and Powerpoint
- Essential - Highly numerate, with visualisation skills and an ability to bring together data and information from multiple sources to tell a story and translate what it means for the audience's perspective, and form recommendations
- Essential - Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Essential - Strong organisational skills and ability to juggle multiple priorities and to keep sight of deadlines
- Essential - Problem Solver
- Essential - Enthusiastic to learn
- Desirable - BSc Food Science/Technology/Marketing or related degree
- Desirable - completion of Professional Sensory Course
- Desirable - experience of using XLstat and RedJade or similar sensory software
What we offer you in return...?
- Competitive salary
- Up to 7.5% pension
- Life assurance
- Wide range of online and in-house training
- Access to an employee discount scheme, with access to hundreds of nationwide retailers
Ready to apply...? Click apply, submitting an up-to-date CV tailored to this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.
A great British food company Premier Foods is one of Britain's biggest listed food companies, employing over 4,000 colleagues at 13 manufacturing sites and offices up and down the country. Many of our brands have been part of UK life for more than a century and you'll find them in 90% of British households. At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.
Consumer Research Technologist employer: Premier Foods
Contact Detail:
Premier Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Consumer Research Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the brands you'll be working with, like Batchelors and Oxo. Understanding their product lines and recent innovations can help you speak confidently about how your skills align with their needs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those involved in sensory and consumer research. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your data analysis skills, particularly in Excel and any sensory software mentioned in the job description. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these tools will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving abilities and how you've managed multiple projects in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines, as these are crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Consumer Research Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sensory and consumer research. Emphasise any projects you've worked on that align with the responsibilities of the Consumer Research Technologist role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and your understanding of sensory science. Mention specific brands from Premier Foods that you admire and how your skills can contribute to their success.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, as well as your ability to analyse data and communicate findings effectively. Use examples to demonstrate these skills.
Show Enthusiasm for Learning: Express your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. Mention any relevant courses or training you've completed, and how you plan to continue developing your skills in sensory evaluation and consumer research.
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food and the brands you'll be working with. Share any personal experiences or insights related to the food industry that demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analytics and sensory evaluation methodologies. Bring examples of how you've used Excel or similar tools to analyse data and present findings in a clear, engaging way.
✨Prepare for Project Management Questions
Since the role involves managing multiple projects, think of specific instances where you've successfully juggled priorities. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines while maintaining quality.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Be ready to explain complex concepts in a way that's easy for others to understand.