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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.

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please respond back and include the following:
 
  • MS WORD Resume
  • required compensation.
  • Contact information.
  • Availability
 
Upon receipt, one of our managers will contact you to discuss the position in full detail.

JASON DENMARK
Recruiting Manager
INTERMEDIA GROUP, INC.
EMAIL: jdenmark@intermediagroup.com
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondenmark/