Sensory Manager

Sensory Manager24-month FTCAshby-de-la-Zouch (Home of Hula Hoops, popchips, Nik Naks, and more)We operate a dynamic working model built on trust, choice and balance. Colleagues typically connect in person 3 days per week, as we know the best ideas and relationships grow when we collaborate side by side.We also offer Dynamic Friday Hours, giving colleagues the opportunity to flex their time and finish early on a Friday, where the role allows.Join our snack-loving teamWere looking for a Sensory Manager to join us at KP Snacks. If youre ready to bring your ideas to the table, grow your skills and be part of a team that values what makes you, you this could be your next big move.About the roleThis is a highly influential role, leading a team of specialist sensory colleagues and expert tasters while providing sensory expertise to Research & Development, Marketing, Research & Insights, Operations and Commercial teams. You will ensure robust sensory testing and analysis supports key business decisions across innovation, product improvement, cost optimisation and quality.As our sensory expert, you will use a range of sensory methodologies and statistical techniques to deliver meaningful insights, helping us develop brilliant products that delight consumers. You will also champion best practice in sensory evaluation, build strong relationships across our sites and identify opportunities to continuously improve our sensory capability.If you're passionate about food, sensory science and leading high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.Whats in it for you?We believe in rewarding our colleagues and helping them thrive. Heres a flavour of what we offer:Competitive annual salary, annual salary review and annual bonus opportunity (target 7.5%), plus KP Pension Plan with up to 7% matched contributions and £6,000 car allowance25 days holiday, with the option to buy up to five additional days, plus additional holiday after five years serviceComprehensive healthcare including Single Cover Private Healthcare, Health Cash Plan, Digital GP and Employee Assistance ProgrammeElectric Vehicle Car Scheme, supporting more sustainable and cost-effective travelKP4ME benefits platform with discounts, cashback and wellbeing supportEnhanced family-friendly policies to support colleagues at every stage of lifeWhat will you be doing?Leading sensory capability across KP Snacks and IntersnackManaging the delivery of sensory programmes and ensuring resources are effectively deployed to support innovation, product improvement, cost reduction and business growth activitiesProviding expert sensory insights and recommendationsDesigning and delivering sensory studies, analysing complex data using appropriate statistical techniques and translating findings into clear recommendations that support business decision makingLeading and developing a high-performing sensory teamRecruiting, training, coaching and motivating sensory panellists and colleagues, managing performance and ensuring the highest standards of sensory evaluation and testing are maintainedDriving sensory excellence and capability buildingPromoting best practice across the business, designing and delivering sensory training, introducing new methodologies and supporting colleagues to make informed product development decisionsBuilding strong stakeholder relationshipsPartnering with colleagues across Research & Development, Research & Insights, Operations, Marketing and Commercial teams, as well as external partners and Intersnack colleagues, to deliver impactful sensory programmesWho are we?Were KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack family. Across more than 30 countries, over 15,000 of us work together to make the snacks people love from Hula Hoops to McCoys. In the UK, were a team of around 2,400 colleagues, based across seven sites and our Slough HQ. Were proud of our close-knit culture, where we speak up, celebrate differences and push boundaries together.Were committed to inclusionWere building a workplace where everyone belongs. If you dont tick every box, wed still love to hear from you your unique perspective could be just what we need. And if theres anything we can do to make the process easier for you, just let us know.Wed love to hear from you if you can bring:Strong sensory and FMCG experienceStrong experience in an FMCG environment, ideally food, with experience in sensory assessment, product development and leading sensory panelsExcellent analytical and technical skillsKnowledge of sensory methodologies, statistical analysis and sensory software such as Compusense, Minitab, R or similar, with the ability to turn complex data into actionable insightsPeople leadership and influencing skillsExperience leading and developing teams, managing priorities and building effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholdersRelevant scientific qualification and commercial awarenessA bachelor's degree or equivalent in a science discipline, ideally including food science and/or statistics, alongside an understanding of the food industry and consumer needsA proactive and passionate approachA genuine enthusiasm for food, flavour and sensory science, excellent communication skills, strong Excel and PowerPoint capability and a valid UK driving licence#LI-SC1 #LI-OnsiteTPBN1_UKTJ