Overview
Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist – Location: Slough/ Paddington, United Kingdom. Salary: GBP62,500 - GBP76,000, annual bonus, car allowance, benefits.
Shape the Future of Snacks & Treats - Join Us as a Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist. We are seeking a Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist to join our Consumer Technical Insights team and help transform consumer insights into unforgettable product experiences. In this role, you will sit at the intersection of R&D, Marketing, and Innovation, ensuring that every product—whether gum, fruity treats, chocolates, or iconic brands like Bounty, Milky Way, Maltesers, and regional specialties—delivers a consistent high-quality experience to consumers across EMEA.
The Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist is a trusted partner to cross-functional teams, ensuring products are created and manufactured consistently while embracing new ideas and market-driven innovations. With deep expertise in Sensory science, Consumer Insights and the FMCG/snacks industry, you will guide the translation of data into insights that lead to meaningful, consumer-centric solutions that shape the future of our categories.
Why Join Us?
* Make an impact: Translate sensory and consumer insights into product, packaging, and brand innovation.
* Be a connector: Partner closely with R&D, Product Developers, Marketing both Global and Regional teams to deliver immediate project needs while also influencing strategy and shaping the future of snacks & treats.
* Be a problem solver and catalyst: Apply innovative/advanced research methodologies to get unstuck and uncover opportunities that take us faster to compelling product stories.
What will you do?
* Design, lead, and analyze sensory and consumer research to deliver actionable insights, decisional and diagnostic.
* Partner with product developers to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality experience while enabling innovation, cost optimization, regulatory challenges, etc.
* Guide claims development and validation to support storytelling and product superiority.
* Anticipate consumer trends, cultural shifts, and market needs across EU to inspire future innovation.
* Mentor and coach colleagues, building sensory and consumer-centric mindset and capabilities across the business.
Qualifications
* Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Psychology, Statistics, or related field (Master's preferred), or equivalent experience.
* Industry expertise: Proven background in the FMCG (ideally food/snacks) industry with strong sensory science and consumer research experience.
* Technical skills: Solid scientific expertise, advanced data analysis, and ability to translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
* Leadership/Strategic Influencing: Strong communication and storytelling skills to engage and inspire cross-functional partners regardless of level.
* Mindset: Creative problem-solver, adaptable, nimble, able to thrive in ambiguity and bring a clear POV (even if it’s not great news).
What can you expect from Mars?
* Work with diverse and talented Associates, guided by the Five Principles.
* Join a purpose-driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
* Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
* An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.
Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions or are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here
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