Consumer Science & Sensory Manager

Join to apply for the Consumer Science & Sensory Manager role at Laurens Hekwerk West BV

Haddenham (Oxfordshire), UK

In this role, you’ll lead the future of flavour by driving the EMEA Consumer Science & Sensory (CS&S) strategy and shaping consumer‑led insights into innovative product design in close collaboration with Product Development. As the voice of the consumer, you’ll ensure every product experience sparks innovation and influences key business decisions across the organisation.

• Lead Consumer Science & Sensory Strategy and Execution:
  Define and implement the CS&S strategy for EMEA Consumer Innovation, Renovation, and Integrity projects.
• Design and deliver sensory and consumer research programmes that guide product development from concept to shelf life.
• Translate insights into actionable recommendations, integrating CS&S findings with Consumer Marketing Insights to drive consumer‑led decision‑making.
• Lead and develop the CS&S Team: manage and coach the Sensory Panel Manager, ensuring robust panel operations, training, and data integrity.
• Foster a high‑performance culture through clear goal setting, feedback, and professional development.
• Prioritise and allocate resources effectively to meet business needs across EMEA Consumer and Flavour Solutions units.
• Build and strengthen CS&S capabilities across EMEA: develop and align sensory processes, tools, and training to build regional capability and consistency; drive adoption of agile, cost‑effective research methods; collaborate with global and regional sensory teams.

• Demonstrable experience in FMCG (Food & Drink) in a Consumer Science & Sensory role, ideally supported with people‑management experience.
• Strong, proven track record of successful leadership and delivery of consumer science & sensory research projects, strong statistical analysis and data interpretation skills.
• Experience working directly with onsite sensory panels, sensory scientists and product development in consumer brands.
• Successful track record of partnering with cross‑functional R&D, marketing and insights teams to support and deliver strategic business growth.
• Strong presentation skills, experience of leading stakeholder/customer presentations and/or training.
• Operational and strategic experience gained in a multi‑cultural, multi‑site and matrix working environment.
• Degree‑level qualification in a sensory/technical/food‑related discipline.
• Strong communication, influencing and interpersonal skills; effective team player.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level.

Employment type:

Full‑time. Job function:
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology. Industries:
Administrative and Support Services.

Laurens Hekwerk West BV is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, colour, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.