Principal Sensory Scientist, Data Analyst

Role Description

The Principal Sensory Scientist at Sam's Club leads advanced data analytics initiatives to identify root causes of business challenges and develop technology-driven solutions. This role involves defining key metrics, ensuring data quality, and translating complex business requirements into actionable insights. The position requires expertise in data visualization, exploratory analysis, and data strategy to influence decision-making across multiple business domains. The Principal Data Analyst mentors team members, drives continuous improvement, and collaborates cross-functionally to deliver measurable business impact aligned with organizational objectives.

What you'll do

• Lead the design and execution of sensory research programs to support product development, optimization, and innovation.
• Design and execute sensory studies leveraging consumer-based methodologies (e.g., IHUTs, CLTs) through a sensory science lens.
• Independently manage the full research process: study design, programming, fieldwork execution, analysis, and reporting.
• Translate complex sensory data into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Present findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure sensory insights drive measurable product and business outcomes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years leading Sensory in CPG, retail, or ingredient companies.
• Expertise in IHUTs and CLTs, with strong analytical skills and ability to independently run and interpret analyses (ANOVA, PCA, PLS, Preference Mapping, Segmentation, Penalty Analysis, Chi-Square).
• Experience using AI to analyze open-ended feedback.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and communicate insights clearly to leadership and non-technical audiences.

Additional Skills

• Experience moderating qualitative sensory sessions is a plus.

Requirements

• Option 1: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Arts, Finance or related field and 4 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field.
• Option 2: Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 2 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field.
• Option 3: 6 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field.

Benefits

• Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage.
• Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance.
• Paid time off benefits include PTO, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting.
• Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
• Live Better U is a company paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities.

Salary Information

The annual salary range for this position is $90,000.00 - $180,000.00. Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include Regional Pay Zone (RPZ) (based on location).