Sensory & Product 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.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

JOB SUMMARY:

• Provide appropriate Sensory and Consumer Preference knowledge in close collaboration with Strategic Business Units / Markets / R&D to ensure innovation and renovation meets consumer expectations and is aligned with business strategies.
• Continuously seek for improving consumer & sensory best practices and promoting the use of Sensory and Consumer Research in innovation and renovation process at R&D and Market level.
• Manage and execute research with excellence.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide consumer & sensory insights to I&R projects:
  • Partner proactively with Project Managers and help define questions and outcomes from consumer and sensory insight support to add value and influence project's success. Provide guidance on choice and use of sensory evaluation and consumer methodologies.
  • Play an active part in cross-functional project teams, from front-end innovation until launch. Ensure CSI knowledge is transferred to the industrialization stage, guiding the setup of consumer-centric sensory specifications.

• Build sensory & consumer preference knowledge on product experience:
  • Build and leverage knowledge to identify growth and/or cost optimization opportunities.
  • Support Product and Process Mastership to better understand the effect of recipe and process parameters on sensory attributes and consumer acceptance.

• Manage and execute consumer and sensory research studies with excellence:
  • Define clear, time-bounded plans and prioritize resources available.
  • Manage studies: plan, design, then analyze and results in line with best practices and with impact to the cross-functional team and business partners.
  • Ensure collaboration with Sensory Panel Leaders, Technicians, and external agencies in order to ensure lean and transparent execution. Contribute to management of internal and external project execution by sensory panels.

• Ensure CSI continuous improvement and team development:
  • Be responsible for continuous improvement of consumer & sensory practices.
  • Ensure high quality results through panel maintenance and performance. Participate in the selection and training of panel members. Coach Sensory Panel Leaders to reach excellence in execution and with autonomy.

• Support Quality Management to ensure products sensory consistency:
  • Advise Quality Management in Markets (head office and factories) to reduce sensory defects
  • Train the factory sensory analysts and assist them with the implementation of sensory specifications.

• Build and share knowledge: Contribute to the improvement of sensory and consumer competencies in Markets and R&D. Contribute to internal trainings and knowledge sharing activities in the Consumer Sensory Insights global network.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Experience and Knowledge):

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience on Sensory Science, Consumer Science, Market Research, Food Technology, Food Science, or other related fields
• Min. 3 years of experience in a wide range of sensory analysis, consumer product testing techniques, and their applications
• Experience of leading sensory activities and/or working with sensory research agencies
• Experience in market research with exposure to a variety of consumer testing techniques in product testing
• Experience in consumer-packaged goods, experience in both R&D and business sides is a plus
• Software knowledge: Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook, SAP
• Strong statistical skills. Fluent in the use of statistical software
• Strong written and oral communication skills with an emphasis on effective visual storytelling
• Strong organizational skills
• Able to work well in a team environment
• Independently motivated
• Good interpersonal/teamwork skills and a sense of business/ technical interrelationships

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

A proactive, independent person, able to lead/manage/complete projects with minimal supervision. Creative and innovative with a sense of urgency and passion. There will be at least two formal meetings with the Manager to evaluate the progress toward the goals. There is also the opportunity to work closely with other members of the team for guidance. There will be formal training sessions set up for all newcomers to Nestle as well as specific courses required as an R&D employee. The Manager will set up a training plan, and it is the responsibility of the individual to execute the plan.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

This individual does not have any direct reports but should be able to coach/mentor team members in projects that he/she is leading.

STRATEGIC IMPACT:

This position is in support the R&D Nestle Global environment and deliver services to various operating companies.

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It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

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.

The Nestle Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

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