Sensory and Consumer Research Specialist

Nestle's Research & Development Center is our regional powerhouse driving innovation in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical science. Backed by our global Nestle R&D organization, we lead breakthrough discoveries that are both good for consumers and the planet. Our team of experts range from product developers to engineers, working across our portfolio of food, beverage, infant nutrition, and health science to create leading-edge products and services. As part of our organization, you will use your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence to unlock the power of food and provide premium value.

Nestle Development Center Marysville is one of the longest-standing R&D centers in Nestle's worldwide network. Here, we are the home of great coffee innovation - we provide technical development expertise for beverage products, working on well renowned brands Starbuck's, Coffee-Mate, Nescafe and Blue Bottle. Whether it is in terms of convenience, health or pleasure, we are committed to creating delicious beverages for our consumers. We make a difference with our passion for coffee.

The Sensory & Product Experience Specialist is responsible for collaborating on project teams to lead sensory product research in support of Nestle brands and R&D programs to drive consumer-centricity and guide decision making. The Sensory & Product Experience Specialist contributes expertise and knowledge to ensure success in product innovation and renovation in a dynamic, international environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

Drive consumer and sensory products insights

• Deliver consumer and sensory product insights to Innovation and Renovation projects as a partner to project managers and members of cross-functional teams
• Manage sensory and consumer studies with clear, time-bound plans from start to finish including design, statistical analysis, interpretation, documentation, and presentation to stakeholders
• Ensure continuous improvement for team support and development through communication and coaching of technicians, panel leaders and interns
• Seek to continuously improve Consumer and Sensory Research methods and promote agility according to business needs

Responsibility within the Product Category Business

• Build consumer and sensory product knowledge and competitive intelligence with clear links to consumer trends and business figures to influence strategy
• Provide technical assistance & expertise to markets/businesses in Sensory Evaluation and consumer research

Collaboration across business & product category

• Work as part of a global innovation team acrossUS, Switzerland, and Singapore to create a cohesive Sensory and Product Insight function
• Communicate proactively with product category leads and business units to understand needs and business context
• Network with NRC, other PTCs/R&Ds for knowledge sharing and best practices
• Keep up with new developments in the fields of consumer and sensory research

Job Qualifications (Minimum Education, Experience, and Knowledge

• Degree in Food Science, Psychology or equivalent preferred with emphasis in Sensory Science; Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred
• Three or more years of experience in Consumer and Sensory Research with application of a wide range of techniques
• In-depth knowledge of statistics; ability to analyse DoE studies
• Experience in the beverage category a plus
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Good interpersonal/teamwork skills and a sense of business/technical interrelationships
• Excellent planning, organization, and project management abilities
• Dynamic, proactive, and flexible with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Focus on Consumer-Centricity and Product Perception
• Flexible (Availability to travel)
• Solid written and oral communication skills (including presentations)
• Excellent computer skills (MS-Office applications, statistical software, and sensory data collection software)
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)

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To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestle. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestle seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestle home.

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