FOOD Sensory & Analytical Manager, Product Design (PhD required) to $170,000

FOOD Sensory & Analytical Manager, Product Design (PhD required) to $170,000

• Topeka, KS
• $145,000.00 - $170,000.00

OPEN JOB: FOOD Sensory & Analytical Manager, Product Design

LOCATION: Topeka, Kansas

***relocation offered

***4 days onsite in Topeka, KS, one day remote

SALARY RANGE: $145,000.00 - $170,000.00

Our client is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• We are seeking a Sensory Scientist (PhD required) to drive product innovation and technical excellence in pet food. While prior pet food experience is a plus, we welcome candidates with strong Food Science sensory background who can translate human food innovation, sensory methodologies, and consumer insights into the pet nutrition space.

Role Summary:

• Drive the future of pet nutrition by leading high-impact sensory and analytical research.
• As the Sensory & Analytical Manager, you will lead an elite group of scientists in pioneering novel methodologies that translate pet preference and pet parent perceptions into actionable insights to drive product innovation.
• By bridging sensory science, advanced analytics, and technical insights, you will champion data-driven decisions that elevate our premium product portfolios.

Responsibilities:

The Sensory & Analytical Manager, Product Design, located in Topeka, KS, will lead a dynamic group of scientists and oversee groundbreaking research. Responsibilities include:

• Methodology Innovation & Execution: Oversee the creation and adaptation of cutting-edge sensory and analytical testing methods. Establish key performance indicators that directly correlate laboratory data with pet preference and consumer satisfaction.
• Lab & Team Leadership: Manage the Sensory and Product Design Analytical laboratories. Mentor, coach, and develop a team of scientists, driving operational excellence, project execution, and career growth.
• Data Strategy & Advanced Analytics: Direct the development of advanced data visualization, analytical modeling, and reporting frameworks. Synthesize complex research into clear, actionable insights for both technical teams and executive stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Product Development, Colony Management, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, and external vendor networks to align technical deliverables with overarching business strategies.
• Ingredient & Design Optimization: Investigate core product design variables—including ingredients, processing parameters, and aesthetics—to uncover underlying drivers of performance and consumer acceptance.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Sensory Science or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of food OR pet food industry experience, including direct supervisory experience managing scientific teams.
• Proven mastery of human sensory study design, laboratory experimental design, and advanced analytical food testing methods.
• Understanding of regulatory, product safety, and quality standards relevant to companion animal or human food production.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in driving Innovation, Teamwork, Collaboration & Effective Execution.
• Experience in Product Design, Technological Innovation, Technology Fundamentals, Execution Excellence, Problem Solving, Flexibility & Adaptability.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional projects, managing lab operations, and driving innovative research to commercial execution.