Principal Scientist, R&D Sensory Science

As a Principal Scientist in the Consumer Experience (CX) Sensory Center of Excellence you will serve as a recognized sensory science subject matter expert leading complex technically rigorous projects with broad impact across R&D and the North American Zone. You will proactively cultivate foundational sensory knowledge to accelerate and deepen the organizations technical understanding of ingredients product packaging and processes. You will utilize sensory foundational mastership and advanced design of experiments modeling techniques to drive innovation and renovation through advanced experimental design and predictive modeling. You will apply methodological rigor to answer critical business and technical questions guiding product development. As a leader in the North America CX Sensory Science team you will demonstrate best-in-class Sensory tools methods and ways of working across the business.

As a Sensory Science subject matter expert you will provide coaching and mentorship to drive technical excellence and sensory rigor within the team and across the organization including consultation and training to improve the application of sensory insights in our long-term ingredient technology research. You will partner closely with Central R&D (New Generation Ingredients Analytical Nutrition Product & Process Development Packaging CX Product Insights Culinary) and external suppliers to ensure sensory perception measurement is translated into practical product packaging and technical decisions.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Develop and lead comprehensive sensory research projects focused on understanding new ingredients and technology in application using all available sensory tools and predictive modeling.

• Develop and document sensory science capabilities methodologies and standards for application across R&D ensuring cross-functional understanding and consistent application.

• Partner with Nutrition and Analytical Sciences to ensure correlation with sensory technical measurements and incorporation into final product and process specifications for existing core products and during new product development.

• Lead development of Sensory Science best practices and center of excellence standards.

• Lead Sensory fundamentals training for R&D to ensure consistent team evaluation practices.

• Create recommendations for Sensory method development and collaborate with internal digital transformation and data sciences teams on expansion of AI/modeling capabilities.

• Contribute to the sensory research vendor ecosystem by identifying and qualifying new and emerging high-quality vendor partners with cutting-edge capabilities and world-class recruiting and executional excellence.

• Actively engages with industry professionals standards bodies (e.g. ASTM SIMS) and academic institutions to advance sensory science shape best practices and represent Kraft Heinz as a technical leader in the field.

• Provide coaching and mentorship for Sensory support staff and more junior team members.

Organizational Relationships

• Interacts and influences all levels cross-functionally.

• Actively collaborates with NGIAN and CX Product Insights.

• Manages activities of research suppliers. Sets high standards provides ongoing feedback. Appropriately questions and challenges suppliers to ensure best thinking and continuous improvement.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

Education: Minimum Master of Science degree in Sensory Science; PhD preferred.

Experience: Minimum 7 years with MS 6 years with PhD of Sensory research experience in increasingly responsible positions. Experienced across all sensory research techniques and applications. Consumer packaged goods experience required.

Specialized Knowledge Required:

• Advanced generalized knowledge and experience of all Sensory testing methodologies including descriptive analysis panel moderating discrimination testing quantitative and qualitative consumer research preference mapping and design of experiments.

• Ability to translate complex sensory data into clear actionable technical recommendations for R&D and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Advanced understanding of univariate and multivariate statistics.

• Strong interpersonal and team skills (organization prioritization navigating ambiguity communication and flexibility).

• Analytical problem solving and attention to detail.

• Strong consultation and influencing capability.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Experience with XLSTAT SIMS and RedJade Data Collection software a plus.

• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management in a matrixed environment.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidates geographic region job-related knowledge skills and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare protection and savingfor the future we offer plans tailored to meet you and your familys needs. Coveragefor benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events resources and learning opportunities that inspire aphysical social emotional and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

Youll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role country region union status and other employment status factors for example:

• Physical - Medical Prescription Drug Dental Vision Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off Company Holidays Leave of Absence Flexible Work Arrangements Recognition Training

• Emotional Employee Assistance Program Wellbeing Programs Family Support Programs

• Financial 401kLife Accidental Death & Dismemberment Disability

Location(s)

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact for assistance.