Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research projects and mentor a dynamic team to drive client success.
- Company: Join SAM, a global leader in sensory and consumer research with a vibrant multicultural environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development, competitive salary, and the chance to work with top FMCG brands.
- Why this job: Shape impactful research while collaborating with creative minds in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in market or sensory research with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a fast-growing company within the Eurofins Group, offering excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ 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 FMCG product 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.
ResponsibilitiesYour responsibilities:
- Reporting to a Research Director, an Associate Research Director oversees various accounts and multiple projects and brings technical expertise to the research team, while developing a team of Research Managers.
- Responsible for a few accounts in the cluster and the business development.
- Lead the development of complex proposals and tenders.
- Actively supervise Research Managers across projects.
- Bring technical expertise and ensure the use of best-practice methodologies.
- Manage workload allocation and resource planning for the team.
- Ensure Research Managers receive appropriate coaching and training.
- Oversee timely, accurate, and high-quality project delivery.
- Provide strategic recommendations based on client feedback, market trends, and project performance.
- Ensure project execution aligns with client objectives and broader business priorities.
- Ensure revenue targets for assigned accounts are achieved.
- Develop proactive plans to address risks and capitalize on opportunities within accounts.
- Manage a minimum of two Research Managers.
- 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 market research and/or sensory research.
- Knowledge of food and/or cosmetic products, quantitative consumer research methodologies, sensory methodologies and statistics.
- Significant experience in a Research Manager role at SAM or in other companies.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and the local language.
- Strong leadership abilities to manage teams and oversee large-scale research initiatives.
- Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
Associate Research Director in Reading employer: SAM Sensory and Consumer Research
Contact Detail:
SAM Sensory and Consumer Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Research Director in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SAM and its projects. Understand their approach to sensory and consumer research, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your strategic thinking and leadership skills can drive client success at SAM. A confident delivery can make all the difference in leaving a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our fantastic team at SAM.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Research Director in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Strategic Thinking: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your strategic thinking skills. We want to see how you approach problems and develop solutions, especially in the context of FMCG. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate this.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Associate Research Director role. Mention your experience with market research and how it aligns with our needs at SAM.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since this role involves managing teams, be sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others or led projects successfully. We love to see candidates who can inspire and guide their teams!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team at SAM!
How to prepare for a job interview at SAM Sensory and Consumer Research
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the world of sensory and consumer research. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in FMCG, especially in food and cosmetics. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your passion for the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams or projects. Be ready to discuss how you mentored others and drove client success, as this role requires strong leadership abilities.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research SAM's values and work culture. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Showing that you understand and appreciate their multicultural environment can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking. Inquire about their approach to complex proposals or how they ensure project execution aligns with client objectives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.