Sensory Program Manager / Beverage

Kinsa is recruiting for a:  Sensory Program Manager / Beverage  
                            
Location: Seattle, WA area (Onsite)

Our client is a beverage manufacturer based in the Seattle, WA area. The Sensory Program will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing the R&D Sensory Program that supports Product Development, Renovation, Innovation, and Brand Maintenance across product categories.  You and one direct report will be pivotal in further integrating consumer focused sensory research and testing during the design, development and launch process.

• Successful candidates MUST HAVE 3 – 5 years of experience in a consumer centric sensory program.

Compensation/Benefits:                                                                         

• $120,000 – $128,000 base salary range
• 13% bonus potential
• Generous contribution to health benefits
• 401k with company match & Day 1 vesting
• Vacation and Holiday pay
• Fitness Reimbursements
• Relocation assistance

Key Responsibilities and Goals:

• Create and implement a robust infrastructure for sensory testing and research – including development and implementation of procedures in conjunction with multiple cross functional teams and stakeholders.
• Manage and develop project pipelines and processes while working on multiple projects and priorities
• Work with brand and product development to define consumer experience targets and sensory testing methodology to ensure the design and development of products that deliver on consumer sensory expectations.
• Build, support, and grow the Sensory Team capabilities and talent with a focus on growth, accountability, consumers, agility, customers, and velocity to market while meeting business objectives.
• Accountable for all elements of test execution, including design and administration of appropriate research methods, interpretation and reporting of data, and general consultation on strategic product initiatives.
• Identify and manage external academic/industrial research collaboration and vendor relationships.

Competencies Needed for Success:                                                                                   

• Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of CPG R&D experience with 3-5 years’ experience in leading/building a consumer centric sensory program is preferred.  
• Excellent communications skills including the ability to deliver a clear story to influence agreement to your recommendations with data and insights.
• Intellectual curiosity and the creativity to discover and implement new solutions.
• Ability to comfortably and confidently present to all levels within the enterprise.
• Effective communicator, able to influence down, up, and cross-functionally driving consensus to action.
• Strong ability to collaborate with and lead cross functional teams and initiatives.
• Strong ability to build and maintain vendor relationships.

Referrals are our best source for the top talent our clients need so if you know of anyone with these skills in the food and beverage industry, please pass me their name and email/phone number, or share this job posting with them. Kinsa pays referral bonuses if someone you refer gets hired by our client!
Check out our other food and beverage industry career opportunities at https://www.kinsa.com/food-beverage-industry-jobs/#!/

Recruiter Information:
Stephanie Savage
stephanies@kinsa.com