At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams in high-impact research projects for top FMCG brands.
- Company: Join SAM, a global leader in sensory and consumer research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a multicultural work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in an international setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of consumer research while working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in consumer research, strong leadership, and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
• Are you a strategic thinker with strong commercial instincts?
• Passionate about leading teams and driving client success?
• Ready to shape high‑impact research across multiple categories?
- Do you want to develop your career in an international company with a multicultural environment working with the biggest local and global organizations in FMCG?
If so, SAM has the right opportunity for you!
We are the leading international sensory and consumer research company specializing in food, beverages, cosmetics, personal care, and other consumer products.
We have 19 proprietary state‑of‑the‑art facilities across France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, United Kingdom, Morocco, China and the USA, and cover more than 65 countries through our network of approved partners.
SAM provides tailor‑made solutions, delivering actionable guidelines to make our clients’ brands and products memorable.
SAM is a great place to work.
Join SAM to work with the most competent, creative, and fun team in the industry and let your work, opinions and ideas contribute to the future of sensory and consumer research.
Become your most extraordinary self with support and development throughout your career.
Best in class
Join our very diverse team of sensory scientists, food technologists, statisticians, psychologists, sociologists, strategic thinkers, marketeers, field managers, technicians and other sensory and research experienced colleagues.
We’re proud to be part of the Eurofins Group
World‑leader in Testing for Life.
With about 61 000 employees, Eurofins is a global leader in testing services and over the last 20 years has been one of the fastest growing companies in the world, thanks to its innovation in technology and service.
- Your Responsibilities
- Reporting to a Research Director, an
Associate Research Directo r oversees various accounts and multiple projects and brings technical expertise to the research team, while developing a team of Research Managers.
- Responsible for 3-4 FMCG product testing Accounts: client retention, client delight and account growth
- Ensure revenue targets for assigned accounts are achieved
- Develop proactive plans to address risks and capitalise on opportunities within accounts
- Oversee timely, accurate, and high‑quality project delivery for Account team
- Lead the development and delivery of complex proposals and tenders
- Bring technical expertise and ensure the use of best‑practice methodologies
- Deliver complex regional and global projects: play active role in project management, reporting and holistic delivery of projects
- Provide strategic, story‑led recommendations based on client feedback, market trends, and project performance
- Ensure project execution aligns with client objectives and broader business priorities
- Line manage 2-3 Research Managers
- Manage workload allocation and resource planning for the team
- Ensure Research Managers receive appropriate coaching and training
- Mentor team members in research skills, leadership, and career development
- Ensure outputs from team members meet the expected standards of quality and insight
Your Profile
- Minimum 3 years in consumer research and/or sensory research
- FMCG product testing experience: practical experience of core product testing methodologies: i. e. HUTs, CLTs, IDIs
- Significant experience in quantitative consumer research methodologies
- Minimum foundational understanding of qual research: when to recommend qual/bring in qual experts from within SAM
- Significant experience in a Research manager role
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Proficiency in MS Office: Word, Excel, Power Point, etc
- Strong leadership abilities to manage teams and oversee large‑scale research initiatives
- Excellent organisational and problem‑solving skills
- Rigorous, responsive and proactive
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Associate Research Director in Reading employer: SAM Sensory and Consumer Research
At SAM Sensory and Consumer Research, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. As an FMCG Sensory Research Lead in Reading, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, mentorship from experienced leaders, and the chance to work on diverse projects that make a real impact in the industry. Our commitment to employee growth and a supportive environment makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
SAM Sensory and Consumer Research Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Research Director in Reading
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at SAM Sensory and Consumer Research, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like SAM Sensory and Consumer Research. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Research Director in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at SAM Sensory and Consumer Research. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at SAM Sensory and Consumer Research. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at SAM Sensory and Consumer Research
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at SAM Sensory and Consumer Research. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at SAM Sensory and Consumer Research to drive research projects forward.
