At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sensory research to drive product innovation and optimisation.
- Company: Leading international food manufacturer with a diverse brand portfolio.
- Benefits: Annual bonus, private medical insurance, enhanced pension, and 25 days leave.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Influence product development from concept to launch in a consumer-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; experience in sensory science required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
High Wycombe, United Kingdom | Posted on 28/07/2026
Our client is a leading international food manufacturer with an exciting portfolio of well-known consumer brands.
They are seeking an experienced Senior Sensory Technologist to join their Innovation team, playing a key role in ensuring consumer and sensory insights drive product development and business decisions.
Working as part of a collaborative cross-functional team, you'll lead sensory and consumer research programmes that support innovation, product optimisation and continuous improvement across a diverse product portfolio.
This is an excellent opportunity to influence products from concept through to launch while working with a business that places consumers at the centre of everything it does.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead sensory and consumer research programmes across innovation, renovation and product optimisation projects.
- Design and execute sensory and consumer studies using appropriate quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
- Manage projects from study design through to analysis, interpretation and presentation of results.
- Translate complex data into clear, commercially relevant recommendations that influence product development.
- Present insights to technical, commercial and senior stakeholders to support decision making.
- Work closely with Product Development, Marketing, Consumer Insight and Technical teams to embed consumer learning throughout the innovation process.
- Identify market, category and competitor trends to support future innovation strategies.
- Champion best practice in sensory science and continuously evaluate new methodologies and technologies.
- Build strong relationships across the business to maximise the value of sensory and consumer insight.
About You
We're looking for someone with a strong background in sensory science who enjoys working collaboratively and influencing product decisions through data-driven insight.
- A degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Consumer Science or a related discipline.
- Significant experience in sensory science or consumer technical insight within the food or FMCG industry.
- Strong understanding of both qualitative and quantitative sensory methodologies.
- Experience using statistical and sensory software such as Red Jade, XLSTAT, R or similar.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to interpret complex datasets and communicate findings in a clear and engaging way.
- Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working within cross-functional innovation or product development teams.
- Excellent organisation and project management skills.
- What's on Offer
- Annual bonus
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced pension
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Life assurance
- Flexible benefits package
- Ongoing professional development and career progression
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Sensory Scientist in High Wycombe employer: Protea Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading FMCG manufacturing site in Kent as a Maintenance Engineer and enjoy a stable, permanent role with fixed shifts that promote work-life balance. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture, prioritising employee growth through continuous improvement projects and hands-on experience with cutting-edge production technology. With competitive salaries and a commitment to health and safety, we offer an environment where your skills can thrive and contribute to our high-performance operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sensory Scientist in High Wycombe
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Protea Recruitment Ltd.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Protea Recruitment Ltd!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Protea Recruitment Ltd, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Protea Recruitment Ltd, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sensory Scientist in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Protea Recruitment Ltd, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Protea Recruitment Ltd.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Protea Recruitment Ltd. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Protea Recruitment Ltd. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protea Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Protea Recruitment Ltd’s mission.
