Job Title: Manager, Technical Consumer Research
Reporting to: Luz Villavicencio
Location: USA - Atlanta, GA
Hybrid: Onsite minimum 3 days a week
Job Purpose Summary
The Technical Consumer Research (TCR) Manager will be responsible for understanding and defining the fundamental sensory science and consumer research requirements for specific beverages categories and mastering and implementing appropriate research proposals to create consumer centric innovation (Product, package, equipment).
You will collaborate with the Global Development & Innovation (GDI) team, Marketing Category, and Human Insights team. In this role, you will lead sensory and consumer research efforts that are pivotal to guiding product development and innovation. Your work will reinforce our commitment to delivering outstanding consumer experiences across the globe.
We are seeking candidates with technical expertise in Sensory Science & Consumer Research who are passionate about deriving Product Insights that connect with our product portfolio to create winning market solutions. If this describes you, we would love to have a conversation!
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
SENSORY AND CONSUMER RESEARCH DESIGN PRINCIPLES: Lead and participate in global communities, design and conduct holistic research plans, develop research briefs with cross-functional teams, define consumer requirements, conduct competitive benchmarking, collaborate with internal teams, and engage in global research initiatives.
DATA ANALYTICS & SYNTHESIS: Analyze test results with statistical techniques, provide recommendations based on research and business understanding, use statistical software and Microsoft tools proficiently, explore new technologies for competitive advantage, and stay current with scientific literature to inspire the team.
TECHNICAL RISK MANAGEMENT : Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand and determine technical risks (Type I and Type II errors), mitigate risks throughout the research process to ensure confident business decisions, and implement proactive measures for project continuity and system integrity.
TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION & DATA STORYTELLING : Proficient in data storytelling, prepare and present technical conclusions to varied audiences, ensure structured documentation, and visualize insights using presentations and PowerBI.
INFLUENCING & STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT: Build and nurture relationships with research suppliers, academic institutions, and cross-functional teams to advance organizational goals, while mentoring and training colleagues on new methodologies to enhance team competence.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
4+ years of relevant experience in sensory or consumer science.
Expertise in Sensory Science, experience with qualitative and quantitative consumer research, and user experience to design research and develop solutions.
Proficient in statistics, data analysis, AI and Machine Learning principles, and data management and visualization tools.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to simplify data insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
B.S or MS/PhD degree from an accredited college or university (in-market research, food or sensory science, behavioral psychology or related fields).
DESIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
Human-Centered Design
Sensory Science & Consumer Science
Qualitative and quantitative research
Technical risk management
User experience
Social & behavioral science (desirable)
Technical Communication
Storytelling with data
Fit for purpose data analysis.
Database development & understanding.
Simplifying complex information for technical and non-technical audiences.
Excellent communication skills.
Creative and curious.
Data Analytics & Synthesis of Structured and Unstructured data
Proficient statistics and data analysis.
AI and Machine Learning principles.
Data management and visualization tools (PowerBI or other).
Business Partnerships
Results oriented.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Cross functional team interactions.
Project management.
Cultivates strong partnerships mainly but not exclusive to internal stakeholders. .
Process improvement mindset.
Fluent in English. An additional language is a plus
Travel required : 10-25%
SkillsChemistry; Leadership; Results-Oriented; Product Development; Influencing; Waterfall Project Management; Continual Improvement Process; Sustainability; Creativity (Inactive); Design Thinking; Researching; Food Sciences; Data Storytelling; Consumer Sciences; Food Technology; Human Insights; Group Problem Solving; Communication; Consumer Research; Laboratory Testing; Data Compilation; Teamwork; Sensory Testing