Analyst, Sensory & Consumer Insights
Position Overview
The Analyst, Sensory & Consumer Insights will support Panera’s innovation pipeline and sensory testing programs by helping evaluate product performance, identify and size opportunities, and inform product development and optimization. This role will partner with cross-functional teams to execute research, translate findings into clear insights, and deliver actionable recommendations that support business decisions. Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills are critical to success in this position.
Scope of Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to:
Support sensory and concept testing for Panera Bread:
- Partner with cross-functional teams to plan, manage, and execute sensory and product testing for recipes, ingredients, and future innovation
- Design and program customer surveys that align with research objectives and deliver clear, actionable feedback
- Manage the front-of-house sensory testing experience, including participant welcome and sign-in, survey troubleshooting, and food service coordination
- Maintain sensory testing equipment, materials, documentation, and testing protocols
- Analyze and present sensory and consumer research results to internal stakeholders, vendors, and suppliers
- Maintain a historical database and benchmarking system of sensory test results to inform future decisions
- Conduct focus groups or moderated feedback sessions with sensory participants, as needed
- Develop recommendations to improve sensory testing, product performance, and guest experience
- Analyze and report findings from concept tests (Datassential) and related consumer research studies
- Support other sensory-related needs as defined by the business
Support broader Research & Insights projects:
- Build strong working relationships with key stakeholders and become a trusted partner for research support and consumer insight
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with trusted research vendors and partners
- Maintain and update the research library to ensure teams have access to relevant, timely analysis and prior learnings
Qualifications (Education & Experience):
Prior Experience
- Two to five years of relevant professional experience required
- Food, beverage, restaurant, sensory testing, or product research experience strongly preferred
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including:
- Product development and innovation research, such as concept screening, sensory testing, or product testing
- Segmentation, market structure, and strategic consumer analyses, including drivers of growth
- Experience supporting or managing market research projects, including survey design, implementation, data analysis, interpretation, and report writing
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, DIY research environment
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to synthesize data and present analytical findings in a concise, compelling, and business-relevant way
- Ability to work independently while seeking guidance and alignment from manager as needed
- Strong data analysis skills, with preferred experience in statistical analysis, competitive evaluation, and insight synthesis
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor insights for different audiences
Education
- BA/BS in business, market research, statistics, food science or other related field
- MBA a plus
- Food service industry experience a plus
Working Conditions
- Required travel – up to 15-25%
Competitive Pay $83,686 to $100,423 annually.
The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
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