Location: Bryanston
Company: Nestlé
Qualification: Diploma/Degree or equivalent in Sensory Science, Consumer Science, Marketing Research, Food Technology, Food Science or other related fields

Experience: 3 years or more in a wide range of sensory analysis and consumer product testing techniques and their applications

Closing Date: 06 May 2025
 

Position Summary

With a history spanning over 150 years, Nestlé didn’t become the world’s leading food and beverages brand by chance. Perfection is at the heart of what we do, and our people are always looking for the next big idea to cement our status. We are now looking for a Consumer Sensory Insights Senior Specialist  to be based in Bryanston Head Office. 

Consumer Sensory Insight Senior Specialist provide Sensory and Consumer knowledge and support its application across Nestlé, in close collaboration with Application Group/ Consumer Marketing Insights/  BUs / Manufacturing / R&D to inspire & influence the I&R pipeline and ensure innovation and renovation meets consumer expectation and is aligned with Business strategies. Continuously seeks for improving CSI best practices and promoting the use of Sensory and Consumer Research knowledge in innovation and renovation process to AG, CMI, Marketing and PMO. Demonstrate sustained evidence of successful execution, works collaboratively and cross functionally.

A day in the life of a Consumer Sensory Insight Senior Specialist:

Ensure CSI knowledge transfer throughout the I2L stages of the project:

• Ensure CSI knowledge transfer to the Industrialize stage and provide guidance to AGs and Market HO/Factory Sensory on setting up the consumer-centric sensory specifications (including acceptability limits). Assist the Market with sensory references for panel training whenever relevant for the project.

Provide Sensory & consumer insights to I&R projects:

• Assures early-phase collaboration between I&R and business and defines the consumer insight, benefit territory and technical solutions in the context of the strategic business opportunity.
• Promotes consumer perspective throughout the Innovation/renovation development process.
• Act as a key business partner to I&R and Business Category Leads/BEOs and help define questions and outcomes from consumer and sensory insight support to add value and influence project's success.
• Play an active part in cross functional project teams within Market and provide guidance on use and choice of sensory evaluation methodologies.

Manage and execute sensory studies & Technical acceptance process with excellence:

• Define clear and time-bound plans and prioritize resources available.
• Manage studies: planning and design then analysis, reporting and presentation of results in line with best practices and expectations and with impact to the cross-functional team and business partners.
• Coordinate technical acceptance process of new/renovated products.

Ensure CSI support continuous improvement and team development:

• Ensure high quality results through panel maintenance and performance (e.g. via panel performance KPIs), and participates in the recruitment, training of present and future panel members.
• Ensure collaboration with Marketing & Technical teams in driving defect prevention. 

Build and share knowledge:

• Contribute to improve sensory and consumer methods in NPTC/R&D/Market and within Nestlé.
• Contribute to internal trainings and to knowledge sharing on the right application of Sensory tools.
• Drive bridging and increased collaboration between sensory and consumer.

What will make you successful?

• Diploma/Degree or equivalent in Sensory Science, Consumer Science, Marketing Research, Food Technology, Food Science or other related fields
• 3 years or more in a wide range of sensory analysis and consumer product testing techniques and their applications
• Experience in consumer-packaged goods in the Market. A broader experience in operations  is a plus.
• Supervisory experience of leading sensory laboratory activities (panels, technicians, etc.)
• Experience in Marketing Research is a plus
• Computer-literate (MS-Office and dedicated technical software)