Position Summary:

The Nestlé Development Center in Marysville is responsible for the ideation, renovation, and development of new and existing coffee and coffee enhancing products, business models, and services for the world's biggest coffee brands. Our mission is to delight the consumer wherever, whenever, and however by delivering moments of genuine pleasure and indulgence - to achieve this we are committed to our talented, creative, and motivated team. If you are excited and passionate about coffee and its potential, come join us and help create the future.

We are looking for a Specialist in Sensory & Product Experience to collaborate with project teams to lead sensory product research in support of Nestlé brands and R&D programs to drive consumer-centricity and guide decision-making. The Specialist contributes expertise and knowledge to ensure success in product innovation and renovation in a dynamic, international environment.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Deliver sensory product insights to Innovation and Renovation projects as a partner to project managers and members of cross-functional project teams.
• Manage sensory and consumer studies with clear, time-bound plans from start to finish including design, statistical analysis, interpretation, documentation, and presentation to stakeholders.
• Build consumer and sensory product knowledge and competitive intelligence with clear links to consumer trends and business figures to influence strategy.
• Ensure continuous improvement for team support and development through communication and coaching of technicians, panel leaders, and interns.
• Continuously seek to improve Consumer and Sensory Research methods and promote agility according to business needs.
• Actively participate in cross-functional teams including the Strategic Business Unit (SBU), Product Technology Center (PTC), and the Market to drive product improvement locally.
• Provide technical assistance & expertise to markets/businesses in Sensory Evaluation and consumer research.
• Work as part of a global innovation team across US, Switzerland, and Singapore to create a cohesive Sensory & Product Experience function.
• Communicate proactively with product category leads and business units to understand needs and business context.
• Network with Nestle Research Centers (NRC), other Product Technology Centers (PTC)/R&Ds for knowledge sharing and best practices.
• Keep up with new developments in the fields of Sensory & Product Experience research.

Job Qualifications (Minimum Education, Experience, and Knowledge):
• Degree in Food Science, Psychology or equivalent preferred with emphasis in Sensory Science; Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred
• Three or more years of experience in Consumer and Sensory Research with application of a wide range of techniques
• In-depth knowledge of statistics; ability to analyse DoE studies.
• Experience in the coffee and beverage category a plus.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Good interpersonal/teamwork skills and a good understanding of business/technical interrelationships.

Excellent planning, organization, and project management abilities.
• Dynamic, proactive, and flexible with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Focus on Consumer-Centricity and Product Perception
• Solid written and oral communication skills and can cater content for various audiences
• Strong computer skills (MS-Office applications, statistical software, and sensory data collection software)
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Ability to travel (10-15% domestically and internationally)

Salary: $73,318.50 to $105,472 per year

Bonus Eligibility: 7%

The pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits