R&D Sensory and Consumer Experience Principal Scientist

PepsiCo R&D Sensory and Consumer Experience Principal Scientist

PepsiCo is looking for a R&D Sensory and Consumer Experience Principal Scientist to join its R&D site in Leicester.

Around the world, we’re working hard to give people the tastes they desire and the nutrition they need. We dream globally and act locally, constantly innovating to sustain our planet, our people, our communities and our business practices. New markets mean new ways of doing business, and new ways of addressing health concerns, cultural differences and environmental challenges. Every day is an adventure, and an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead team (managing 2+ associates) to drive sensory and consumer product research for Europe Sector across Innovation, Renovation and Productivity projects both Foods & Beverages to provide actionable technical guidance, Experience insights, and recommendations to enable the successful development and commercialization of PepsiCo products for global brands like Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos and local / emerging brands like Walker’s, Alvalle, and Duyvis.
• Champion growth and productivity by leveraging the most effective and efficient sensory and consumer research methods.
• Use strategic thinking to influence and develop robust integrated research plans and align key stakeholders across various business functions (R&D, Consumer Insights, Marketing).
• Provide actionable insights and interpretation based on both Qualitative & Quantitative research with trained panel and consumers for both existing and future R&D projects.
• Horizon scan and bring in-house new, cutting-edge consumer science techniques to build internal capability. Maintain an external mindset, including staying on top of consumer, sensory, innovation, and market research trends, to develop advanced capabilities for driving better, faster insights for R&D.
• Nurture culture of excellence, collaboration, engagement, and capability building by maintaining open lines of communication with global teams within EXP.
• Work closely with EXP Director to implement and promote EXP vision and mission.
• Represent PepsiCo R&D in internal and external forums driving novel methodologies and research to better incorporate consumer empathy into our products - unlocking faster decision making and building capabilities.

Qualifications

• Advanced Degree (Masters/PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Psychology, Food Science, Sensory science) with a strong theoretical background in test design, research methodologies & statistical analysis techniques.
• At least 8-10+ Years in R&D in Consumer Goods industry.
• Proven expertise in Sensory and Consumer Product Research, enabling consumer-centric informed product design decisions.
• Deep experience in qualitative and quantitative consumer research methods for new and existing products.
• Proven ability to design, analyze and interpret Sensory and Consumer findings into implications and actionable results that refine product, packaging, and brand strategies.
• An insightful understanding of the evolving technology and trends in the Data & Analytics landscape.
• Proven ability to think strategically to drive identification of opportunity spaces the organization can leverage to pursue meaningful consumer solutions in transformational and white spaces.
• Proven ability to influence cross functional decision making to ensure consumer centricity remains at the heart of project decisions.
• Horizon scanning and ability to implement in house cutting edge consumer science methods.
• Good understanding/appreciation of the broader business environment and application of technical and commercial knowledge.
• Cultural sensitivity/flexibility in responding to different cultures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and negotiate effectively across all levels and functions of the organization.
• Self-starter, self-motivating- very high drive for results and able to deal with uncertainty and complexity.