Consumer Research Technologist (QMS & F&S)

Consortium of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Voluntary and Community Organisations Limited; Worksop; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food business is seeking a Consumer Research Technologist to drive product quality through sensory and consumer research. The role involves working with key brands and supporting sensory testing while requiring strong analytical and communication skills. Candidates should have at least 12 months of experience in sensory or consumer research and a passion for food. The position is based in Worksop, with on-site work 3–4 days per week. The company offers a competitive pension and various training opportunities.

Benefits

Up to 7.5% pension

Life assurance

Wide range of training opportunities

Employee discount scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months experience in sensory or consumer research.
• Knowledgeable in principles of Sensory Science & Sensory Evaluation Methodologies.
• Full UK Driving License required.

Responsibilities

• Lead contact for consumer research on key brands.
• Support delivery of Trained Sensory Panel testing.
• Work closely with NPD, Marketing, and Insights Teams.

Skills

Passion for food

Understanding of Sensory and Consumer Research

Strong communication skills

Highly numerate

Organizational skills

Education

BSc Food Science/Technology/Marketing or related degree

Tools

Excel

Powerpoint

XLstat

RedJade

Job description

Location: Worksop, GB

Highlighted points for this job

Based in Worksop, on‑site approx 3‑4 days per week

Up to 7.5% pension

Life assurance

Wide range of training opportunities

Based in Worksop (on site approx 3-4 days per week)

Permanent

We are proud to be British, employing over 4,000 people operating from 13 manufacturing and office sites across the UK. We supply a range of customers including retailers, wholesalers, convenience stores and foodservice customers with our iconic products which feature in millions of homes.

A leading food business – We operate primarily in the ambient food sector, which is one of the largest sectors within the total UK grocery market. We feature in key grocery categories of: Flavourings & Seasonings; Quick Meals, Snacks & Soups; Ambient Desserts and Cooking Sauces & Accompaniments. Within Sweet Treats we operate in the Ambient Cakes category. In addition, we have a non‑branded food business which manufactures products such as cakes and desserts on behalf of many UK food retailers.

Food for all occasions – Our brands are leaders in their categories with high household penetration and bought by 90% of UK households. We also have a growing international business, with many of our brands enjoyed by consumers across the world.

Expanding our global presence – We are driving growth in our international business through the deployment of our branded growth model. Our largest international businesses are in Australia, North America and Ireland, with our focus on Mr Kipling, Sharwood’s cooking sauces and The Spice Tailor.

Purpose

As a Consumer Research Technologist, you will be working across our entire portfolio of brands including Sharwoods, Mr Kipling, Batchelors, Oxo and Ambrosia. You will be working as part of the Sensory and Product Analytics team to deliver Sensory and Consumer Research together with data analytics, working towards the team’s core vision to drive Premier Foods Product quality through research and data Analytics, ensuring consumer liking is maximised and core product loyalty is protected, resulting in top performing products in market.

What you’ll be doing

• You will be the lead contact for consumer research for Quick Meal Solutions and Flavours and Seasonings – Focusing on our core brands of Batchelors, Oxo, Bisto and Paxo.
• You will support occasional delivery of Trained Sensory Panel testing.
• You will work closely with NPD, Marketing and Insights Teams to plan and deliver product research utilising consumers and employees through Central Location Testing and Home Use Testing to assess product and packaging.
• You will work closely with research agencies delivering consumer research and will be responsible for briefing projects and ensuring best practices are followed, this includes occasional attendance at fieldwork.
• You will lead multiple projects across a range of products, delivering research for Innovation, Quality Improvement, Quality monitoring and cost recovery. For each project you will be involved in every stage of running projects from obtaining background information, sourcing samples, running cook‑ups, packing products, recruiting respondents, developing questionnaire and carrying statistical analysis and report creation to present to key stakeholders.
• You will be accountable for Project Management, Implementing Premier Sensory Group Best Practices, following Health and Safety regulations and Guidelines and follow procedures, Identifying your own training needs and building a training plan with your manager.

What we need from you

• A passion for food, with good understanding of Sensory and Consumer Research
• Minimum 12 months experience in sensory or consumer research, this can be from a placement
• Essential - must be knowledgeable in principles of Sensory Science & Sensory Evaluation Methodologies
• Essential - Full UK Driving License
• Essential - Highly competent user of Excel and Powerpoint
• Essential - Highly numerate, with visualisation skills and an ability to bring together data and information from multiple sources to tell a story and translate what it means for the audience’s perspective, and form recommendations
• Essential - Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Essential - Strong organisational skills and ability to juggle multiple priorities and to keep sight of deadlines
• Essential - Enthusiastic to learn
• Desirable - BSc Food Science/Technology/Marketing or related degree
• Desirable - completion of Professional Sensory Course
• Desirable - experience of using XLstat and RedJade or similar sensory software

What we offer you in return…?

• Up to 7.5% pension
• Life assurance
• Wide range of online and in‑house training
• Access to an employee discount scheme, with access to hundreds of nationwide retailers

Ready to apply…?

Click apply, submitting an up-to-date CV tailored to this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.

A great British food company

Premier Foods is one of Britain’s biggest listed food companies, employing over 4,000 colleagues at 13 manufacturing sites and offices up and down the country.

Many of our brands have been part of UK life for more than a century and you’ll find them in 90% of British households.

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

If this job opportunity is not suitable, then check out the other LGBT friendly jobs across UK!