Consumer Technical Insights Manager

Reporting into the Head of Consumer Technical Insights, in partnership with Innovation, Brand, CMI and R&D teams, the role holder will provide leadership within the Consumer Technical Insights, and will guide the business strategically with sensory and consumer science insights to meet the business agenda.

The role requires a blend of technical expertise, interpersonal skills, and leadership to embed sensory and consumer science into the business. This includes driving capability development across the UK&I region, aligning research with consumer success criteria, and leading strategic learning plans that support innovation, renovation, and stewardship initiatives each representing significant commercial opportunities for pladis.

What will be your key deliverables?

• Drive the CTI team by developing and leading research programmes according to recognised international standards
• Act as senior technical advisor in Sensory & Consumer Science and collaborate with relevant R&D and Marketing teams to pro-actively supply to strategic plans and ensure that the research needs to support those plans are met
• Collaborate with Consumer Marketing Insights to ensure that all learning plans are joined up
• Continuously develop tools and techniques of Sensory & Consumer Science for relevant business areas
• Analyse and interpret results and communicate optimally to all partners
• Provide consumer and driven insights and understanding/models at category level
• Continuously develop tools and techniques to drive a consumer led innovation process

Bring your experience.

Essential

• Strong knowledge in Sensory and Consumer Science methodologies: quantitative and qualitative tools and techniques
• Previous experience of team management and leadership experience
• Ability to motivate teams and individuals
• Highly developed analytical critical thinking capabilities at a senior level and statistical competence
• Proven experience of verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• The capacity to plan and implement programs which will contribute to the business
• Strong ability in interpretation/translation of insights into a technical product/brand development path
• Multi-discipline/multi-function team working skills and experience
• Able to work in an agile, fast paced working environment

Desirable

• Experience in food FMCG and/or research industry, sweet and savoury snacks
• Experience in Design Thinking techniques
• Strong knowledge in data analysis and statistics
• Proficiency in sensory and statistical software (i.e., RedJade, xlstat, Compusense or similar)

What will the interview process be?

• 1st stage interview – 45 minutes competency-based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
• 2nd stage interview – 60 minutes – a technical interview to understand your skill set/case study or presentation interview.

pladis does also use both Psychometric and Aptitude tests to support our processes so you may be asked to complete these as part of your process.

Some processes may differ, but we will keep you updated!

What does pladis offer you?

• Annual Car allowance, paid monthly
• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to self-enrol into Health Cash Plan
• Private medical Insurance
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• 25 days + bank holidays
• Holiday Enhancement Scheme
• 1 Volunteering Day per year
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discount and Cashback Scheme – make your everyday spending work hard for you on major high street brands, supermarkets and services
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial Wellbeing Support
• Access to great training and development opportunities

Best mix of ingredients

pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidate to be considered for this vacancy, you must have agreed to, and signed, our terms of business.

We will not accept CVs from any other sources other than those currently on our PSL. We will not pay a fee for any candidate that has not been represented by a provider on our PSL.