All posting locations: USA-IL, , United States of America
Job Function: 10 - R&D
Date Published: 30-Mar-2023
Ref #: R-67253
Remote, Hybrid or Onsite: Hybrid
Description & Requirements
In this role- you will be joining our Culinary & Consumer Science Department that is made up of Chefs- Sensory Scientists- Consumer Scientists- and Food Scientists with a passion for food and innovation. We shape and influence food facing innovations by combining a creative approach and our technical knowledge to connect our consumer and product opportunities. We pride ourselves on being the expert connection to food and the marketplace. We are looking for a “consumer-obsessed” sensory & consumer scientist to join our team – someone who is creative- strategic- independent- and collaborative and who can execute with high attention to detail and communication.
The Sensory & Consumer Science Pr. Scientist provides thought leadership to drive consumer centricity including consultation and recommendations for all sensory and consumer research activities on assigned business unit to all levels of R&D. Responsible for the day-to-day sensory and consumer project management including planning- data analysis- reporting and business actionable recommendations based on research data on specified Kraft Heinz product categories. Identifies information needs to guide product development from winning concept to product launch on assigned category. Represents the Sensory & Consumer Science team as core cross-functional team member through commercialization. Provides leadership in improving the productivity and impact of sensory and consumer research tools- methods and processes for the business. Assists the Sr. Manager- Sensory and Consumer Science in meeting the overall research and information needs of R&D for NAZ. Acts as mentor and coach for more junior team members and R&D cross functional.
Key Components of the role
Unearth genuine consumer articulated and unarticulated needs across the consumer journey to help identify growth opportunities for brands that improve our long-term brand equity & innovation efforts
Develop and lead holistic- comprehensive research plans across the product and pack consumer experience using all available Sensory & Consumer Science tools
Support Culinary Consumer Science Transformational Strategy agenda through development of best practices and center of excellence initiatives
Provides complete sensory and consumer research projects to support assigned category- participates in development of overall project objectives- executes against same- and recommends action plans to implement key findings. Leads more complex- strategic projects.
Leads Sensory & Consumer Science portion of a strategic initiatives across NAZ (i.e. Productivity- BDTV- Disruptive Innovation)
Leads Sensory fundamentals training and category specific training for R&D- marketing- sales- and plant personnel to ensure consistent sensory evaluation practices.
Provides coaching and mentorship for Sensory support staff and junior team members
Able to handle high levels of complexity; capable of synthesizing information from different sources
Seen as Subject Matter Expert for Sensory & Consumer Science with internal and external clients
Develops deep understanding of Kraft Heinz Company business
Actively collaborates with Culinary and Consumer Insights counterparts
Develops and utilizes novel methodologies to meet changing business needs
Organizational Relationships:
Interacts and influences all levels of Brand and R&D Team (Technician to President). Core team member on category project teams.
Collaborates with Consumer Insights and Culinary functions.
Manages activities of research suppliers. Sets high standards- provides on-going feedback. Appropriately questions and challenges suppliers to ensure best thinking and continuous improvement
Represents Kraft Heinz in professional organizations and meetings
Qualifications:
Education:
Minimum Bachelor’s degree (Food Science- Physical Science- Social Science or Market Research preferred). MS or PhD in Sensory Science preferred.
Experience:
Minimum 6 years with BS- 4 years with MS- or 2 years with PhD of Sensory or Consumer research experience in increasingly responsible positions.
Experienced across all research techniques/applications. Consumer packaged goods experience required. Experience with Lean Design a plus.
Niche knowledge Required:
Strong generalized knowledge and experience of Sensory and Consumer testing methodologies including descriptive analysis- panel moderating- discrimination testing- consumer research- questionnaire design- data analysis and interpretation.
Highly developed storytelling skills required for effective data presentation and business influence based on results.
Deep knowledge into category specific methodology and serving protocols for the assigned category.
Competency with Windows based software (Microsoft Office)
Advanced understanding of basic and multivariate statistics
Strong interpersonal and team skills (organization- prioritization- communication- and flexibility)
Strong consultation and influencing capability
Experience with XLSTAT- SIMS and RedJade Data Collection software a plus
About Us
The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands and global sales of approximately $25 billion. We’re a globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods for over 150 years. Our brands are truly global, with products produced and marketed in over 40 countries. These beloved products include condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and numerous other grocery products in a portfolio of more than 200 legacy and emerging brands.
No matter the brand, we’re united under one vision: To sustainably grow by delighting more consumers globally. Bringing this vision to life is our team of 39,000+ food lovers, creative thinkers, and high performers worldwide. Together, we help provide meals to those in need through our global partnership with Rise Against Hunger. We also stand committed to responsible, sustainable practices that extend to every facet of our business, our consumers, and our communities. Every day, we’re transforming the food industry with bold thinking and unprecedented results. If you share our passion – and are ready to create the future, build a legacy, and lead as a global citizen – there’s only one thing to do: join our table and let’s make life delicious!
Our Culture of Ownership, Meritocracy and Collaboration
We're not afraid to think differently. Embrace new ideas. Dream big. We empower our people at every level – from entry-level intern to senior leader – to own their work. We share a responsibility to think like Owners – to be mindful of the collective and sustained success of Kraft Heinz – which we apply to every situation, every day.
As part of Kraft Heinz, you're supported to grow and achieve. You’re expected to bring your authentic self to work every day, to lead with humility, and drive outstanding performance at every level – and you’ll be rewarded. You’re given opportunities to leave a mark and build a legacy. But you won’t do it alone. You’re supported by passionate teammates along the way, and our collective, collaborative spirit fuels our incredible progress.
Vaccination & Office Collaboration Expectations
Our highest priority is always the health, wellbeing, and safety of our Kraft Heinz family. We require our office-based, home-based, R&D, and sales team members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless approved for a medical or religious accommodation.
We believe our office environment fuels our collaboration, connection & community as an organization and allows our employees to grow toward greatness. We also believe providing a more flexible and agile model is essential in today’s workplace. A majority of our office-based employees will be able to work remotely for up to two days each week. Additionally, employees who are subject to this hybrid model will be eligible to work from anywhere for up to six weeks in a rolling 12-month period (in maximum two-week increments and according to benefits and tax guidelines). Some jobs may be required to be performed fully in office depending on the role’s responsibilities and requirements.
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact HRCompliance@kraftheinz.com for assistance.