Sensory & Analytical Manager, Product Design - 175941

Sensory & Analytical Manager, Product Design_Topeka, KS_Full-Time(FTE)_Direct Hire

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Position Title: Sensory & Analytical Manager, Product Design
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Topeka, KS
Base Salary: $145,000 to $170,000 + Best-in-class benefits
Industry: Consumer Products / Cosmetics
Job Category: Research & Development

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.

Compensation and Benefits:
*Salary Range $145,000.00 - $170,000.00 USD

*Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion:
*Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Skills and Certifications:
*Phd in Sensory Science or related discipline

Compensation:
*Full-time
*Benefits - Full
*Relocation Assistance Available - Yes

Candidate Details:
*5+ to 7 years experience
*Seniority Level - Mid-Senior
*Minimum Education - Doctorate Degree

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.
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Screening Questions:

# How many years of experience do you have designing and executing human sensory studies, including sensory evaluation, consumer acceptance, preference testing, and sensory methodology development?
# How many years of experience do you have in Food Science/Food Product Development, specifically working with food or pet food products?
# How many years of experience do you have with experimental design, advanced statistical analysis, analytical modeling, and data visualization for sensory/product research?
# How many years have you led or supervised scientists/research teams and managed sensory or analytical laboratory operations?
# How many years of experience do you have applying sensory/analytical research to product optimization, ingredient/process variables, consumer acceptance, and commercialization?
# What is the reason for seeking change from your current role?
# What are your annual base salary expectations (USD)?
# Are you open for Topeka, KS (Onsite):
# Current Location, State with zip code:
# Are you authorized to work in the USA without sponsorship?
# Work authorization for working in USA (USC / GC):