All posting locations: Glenview, Illinois, United States of America
Job Function: 10 - R&D
Date Published: 08-Sep-2023
Ref #: R-74479
Remote, Hybrid or Onsite: Hybrid
Description & Requirements
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. We shape and influence food facing innovations by combining a creative approach and our technical knowledge to connect our consumer and product opportunities.
The Sensory & Consumer Science Sr. Scientist provides guidance research leadership- coordination and integration for all sensory and consumer research activities on assigned brands. Responsible for the day-to-day sensory and consumer project management as well as descriptive panel leadership activities for specified Kraft Heinz product categories. Provides Sensory and Consumer research consultation and thought leadership to all levels of R&D and other functional areas. Identifies information needs to guide product development from winning concept to product launch on assigned category. Accountable for all planning- data analysis- on time reporting and business actionable recommendations based on sensory and consumer research data for assigned category. Provides leadership in improving the productivity and impact of sensory and consumer research tools- methods and processes for the business.
Key Components of the role
- Plays a leadership role in guiding innovation and renovation projects by providing actionable recommendations based on key findings from primary sensory and consumer research for assigned category and brands.
- Provides complete sensory and consumer research projects (discrimination- descriptive analysis- qualitative and quantitative) to support assigned category- participates in development of overall project objectives- executes against same- and recommends action plans to implement key findings and drive business objectives. Leads more complex- strategic projects.
- Leads Sensory QDA Panel training sessions for assigned category with support from Glenview support staff.
- Leads Sensory fundamentals training and category specific training for R&D- marketing- sales and plant personnel to ensure consistent sensory evaluation practices.
- Able to handle high levels of complexity; capable of collecting information from different sources.
- Consults with internal and external clients to build learning plans
- Develops deep understanding of Kraft Heinz Company business
- Provides input into business strategy and consumer insights
- 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 VP). Facilitates consensus on category project teams.
- Collaborates with Corporate Consumer Insights function and Senior Consumer Insights Management.
- 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
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education: Minimum Bachelor’s degree (Food Science- Physical Science- Social Science or Market Research preferred). MS in Sensory Science preferred.
- Experience: Minimum 4 years with BS or 2 years with MS- Sensory or Consumer research experience in increasingly responsible positions. Experienced across all research techniques/applications. Consumer packaged goods experience required.
Specialized 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 soft 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 problem solving and attention to detail skills
- Strong consultation and influencing capability
- Ability to simplify complex data analysis to actionable- easy to understand insights.
- Able to multi task- work alone and in a team
- Experience with XLSTAT- SIMS and RedJade Data Collection software a plus
#LI-Hybrid
About Us
Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company.
Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet. We’re proud of where we’ve been – and even more thrilled about where we’re headed – as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.
Why Us
We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands. Good isn't good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions. All while celebrating our wins - and our failures – as we work together to lead the future of food.
Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and nurturing strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we’re growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.
Office Collaboration & Hybrid Work Environment
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 that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NATAI@kraftheinz.com.