Job Purpose:

The Sensory team translates consumer research and data into desired pet and pet parent experiences.  The primary purpose of this role is to deliver product and/or packaging sensory understanding for Growth, Efficiency, and Quality initiatives.  This position is responsible for ensuring the consumer and pet perspectives, and their interaction with product, are considered and incorporated into the R&D process.  They use rigorous logic to quantify, assess, and solve issues with effective solutions, and identify challenges early and communicate them appropriately. They have extensive knowledge of current sensory & consumer science methodologies and continuously stay abreast of new developments in the field, actively implementing them within the business as appropriate.  

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Food Science or scientific field with a concentration in Sensory Science, Behavioral or Social Science AND 8+ years experience in qualitative and quantitative sensory methodologies and techniques
• Masters degree in Food Science or scientific field with a concentration in Sensory Science, Behavioral or Social Science AND 5+ years experience in qualitative and quantitative sensory methodologies and techniques

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Food Science or scientific field with a concentration in Sensory Science, Behavioral or Social Science
• CPG/Food industry experience

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and expertise for insight generation and translation into new opportunities across multiple Regional Innovation Projects. 
• Maintain a range of internal and external networks to ensure up to date understanding of cutting-edge developments in field of expertise. 
• Provide leadership and expertise in developing and applying  current & innovative Sensory and Consumer Science methodologies.
• Lead sensory & consumer research projects; this includes consulting with key stakeholders to determine project objectives, developing test design, conducting the research as per best practice standards, and delivery of recommendations to relevant R&D and business partners.
• Able to adjust, adapt, respond to, and be resourceful in the face of changes to deliver business objectives.
• Maintain a collaborative relationship with the Regional & Global CMI and Global CTI groups to ensure the most efficient and effective research community. 
• Embrace and live the Mars culture by leading with The Five Principles.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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About Mars:
Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5â„¢, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL® and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitalsâ„¢, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCAâ„¢ and Pet Partnersâ„¢. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 130,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Disclaimer:
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.​​​​​​​

Note to Search Firms/Agencies:
Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific.  Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.