Sensory & Consumer Science Manager Flavour Solutions

The Flavour Solutions Sensory & Consumer Science Manager is a strategic business partner supporting McCormick’s Flavour Solutions (B2B) division across EMEA. This role leads a team of Sensory & Consumer Scientists and Analysts and oversees the delivery of sensory and consumer insights across UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa. The Manager will help shape new product development, cost-out initiatives, product de-risking and future innovation roadmaps. The role supports leading quick service restaurant customers and global and regional food and beverage manufacturers across categories including sauces, condiments, coating systems and seasonings., * Business Partnering

• Support product development from brief to completion by providing key sensory and consumer science inputs used during the lifecycle of projects
• Provide strategic research advice to stakeholders to best meet business needs
• Compile scientific sensory reports on objective(s), methodologies and results
• Interpret results and present in appropriate format to stakeholders and provide recommendations
• Work in close collaboration with quality teams in UK sites

• Drive operational and strategic plans (e.g. roadmaps) with key Business Units

• Customer Facing
• Advise on correct methodologies to meet objectives to internal and external customers

• Compile scientific proposals as per customer request/proactively

• Sensory and Consumer Science Functional Excellence
• Promote the Sensory & Consumer Science and Customer Centricity internally and externally
• Gather and analyse sensory information according to recognised international standards

• Drive growth of faster, more affordable research methods

• Team Leadership
• Line-Manage a team of Sensory & Consumer Scientists and Analysts in the UK to ensure best practices are applied throughout the region and aligned with Sensory & Consumer Science Community of Practice (both EMEA and Global)
• Continuous maintenance of knowledge regarding Sensory and Consumer Science
• Manage the prioritisation of scheduling projects
• Drive Sensory trainings and awareness sessions as needed

• Degree in Sensory & Consumer Science, Food Science or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable background in sensory & consumer science plus previous experience in a Sensory & Consumer Scientist role or similar.
• Experience leading or mentoring sensory and consumer science professionals, with the ability to develop others.
• Strong experience presenting to customers and stakeholders, including delivering training and practical sessions.
• Excellent written, verbal, influencing and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative, proactive and confident working in cross-functional teams.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and sensory and consumer science software packages.