Researcher, Owned Brand & Product Insights

Researcher, Owned Brand & Product Insights

Posted 2 days ago. The pay range is $71,000 – $128,000. Pay is based on labor markets, education, work experience, and certifications. Target offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, 401(k), employee discount, disability insurance, paid leave, and more. Benefits details are available on Target’s careers website.

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. The Product Development & Design organization thrives on discovery and delighting guests. We concept, develop, and deliver new favorite products. Join our dynamic team to influence taste, quality, and value across Food & Beverage categories.

The Owned Brand & Product Insights team leads qualitative and quantitative research for Target’s owned brand products, supporting key business needs. As a researcher, you will design, execute, analyze, and report sensory and consumer research, influencing product and packaging decisions throughout the development lifecycle.

• Conduct product sensory and consumer tests for Food & Beverage categories (new products, renovations, co‑creation, post‑launch).
• Utilize a variety of testing methods to meet project objectives.
• Develop strong cross‑functional partnerships across Merchandising, Product Development, Packaging, Sourcing, Food Safety & Quality, Brand & Portfolio Management, Enterprise Insights, and other business areas.
• Leverage internal and external partnerships to support research.
• Execute, analyze, and interpret sensory and consumer data to deliver actionable insights.
• Expand research reach to additional types of research as needed.

• B.S. in Food Science, Sensory Science, Psychology, or related field; M.S. preferred. Minimum 1–2 years relevant experience.
• Understanding of sensory and consumer testing principles and methods, and their application to product development.
• Ability to scope, design research plans, analyze data, apply statistics to sensory/consumer projects, and write actionable insights.
• Accountable and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Attention to detail, problem‑solving, critical thinking, adaptability, and strong communication skills.

• Minimum 2–3 years relevant experience.
• Strong foundation in statistical design and analysis, experience with Excel and XLSTAT.
• Ability to translate insights into recommendations influencing assortments, product/package development, claims, and pricing.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn advanced research methodologies (Max Diff, TURF, conjoint/choice modeling).
• Experience with sensory software such as Compusense, FIZZ, SIMS, Red Jade, or Eye Question.
• High initiative, learning on the fly, and a sense of urgency.
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

This position will be Hybrid/Flex: core work occurs both onsite at Target HQ in Minneapolis, MN, and virtually, depending on daily needs. Remote work outside the country of the primary location is not permitted. Team members cannot work more than thirty (30) days per calendar year from certain states; if hired, remote work from those states is limited to 30 days per year.

Learn about benefits eligibility at Target’s benefits page.

Target will provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. To request accommodations, email candidate.acc

Entry level

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing

Retail

Minneapolis, MN