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Consumer Sensory Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hersheys

Sr Research Scientist Sensory

Hershey, PA

$93K - $119K/yr

The position requires expertise in sensory science, consumer research, statistics, and data visualization, with the ability to translate research findings into actionable business recommendations.

Altria Group, Inc.

Head of Flavor & Sensory

Richmond, VA · On-site

$174K - $305K/yr

Define Strategy and Superiority • Define consumer-winning sensory ambition and translate insights ... R&D, analytics, regulatory, etc.) into a unified product-experience system Enable Delivery, Govern ...

Eurofins

Sensory Trained Panelist

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$16.50/hr

Sensory Trained Panelist SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy. Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet ...

Perdue Farms

Sensory Technologist

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Summary Drive product quality and innovation through hands-on sensory research and consumer insights. As a Sensory Technologist, you will support the sensory team within the R&D organization by ...

New

Perdue Farms

Sensory Technologist

Salisbury, MD

$60K - $90K/yr

Summary Drive product quality and innovation through hands-on sensory research and consumer insights. As a Sensory Technologist, you will support the sensory team within the R&D organization by ...

New

Minnesota Jobs

Sensory Trained Panelist

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$16.50/hr

Sensory Trained Panelist Plymouth, MN, USA Part-time SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy. Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of ...

Eurofins

Sensory Trained Panelist

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$16.50/hr

Company Description SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy . Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet, and ...

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Consumer Sensory Research information

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How much do consumer sensory research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for consumer sensory research in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a consumer sensory researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Consumer Sensory Researcher, you need expertise in sensory evaluation methods, data analysis, and often a degree in food science, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS or XLSTAT), sensory testing tools, and experimental design is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to interpret consumer feedback are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure reliable sensory data collection, meaningful consumer insights, and successful product development.

How does a consumer sensory researcher typically collaborate with product development teams?

Consumer Sensory Researchers work closely with product development teams by designing and conducting sensory tests to gather feedback on product taste, smell, texture, and appearance. They translate consumer sensory data into actionable insights that guide formulation tweaks and product improvements. Regular collaboration involves participating in cross-functional meetings, sharing research findings, and advising on consumer preferences to ensure products align with market expectations. This teamwork is essential for launching products that satisfy customers and stand out in the marketplace.

What is consumer sensory research?

Consumer sensory research is the scientific process of evaluating and understanding how consumers perceive products using their senses, such as taste, smell, sight, touch, and hearing. This type of research helps companies optimize their products based on consumer preferences and feedback. Sensory tests are often conducted in controlled environments where participants sample products and provide feedback on qualities like flavor, texture, and appearance. The insights gained help businesses improve product development, marketing, and quality control to better satisfy their target market.
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Consumer Sensory Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Consumer Sensory Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 94% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Manager, Sensory & Consumer Insights

Panera Bread

Newton, MA • On-site

$104K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Panera Bread rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 1,455 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 16 rated cafes

Job description

Manager, Sensory & Consumer Insights
The Manager of Sensory & Consumer Insights is a strategic leader responsible for shaping the future of the brand's food and beverage portfolio through deep sensory/product insights. This role combines research expertise, culinary curiosity, and business acumen to guide food and beverage innovation. The Manager ensures that guest needs, behaviors, preferences, and emerging trends are translated into actionable insights that drive menu development.
Reporting to the Vice President, Consumer Insights, this role serves as a key partner to Culinary, Marketing, and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, validate innovation, and build a guest-centered product pipeline.
Scope of Responsibilities
  • Sensory & Consumer Insights

  • Lead all sensory and consumer research initiatives supporting food and beverage innovation, optimization, and performance.

  • Design and execute quantitative and qualitative research studies, including sensory evaluations and product testing.

  • Develop research objectives, questionnaires, discussion guides, and reporting frameworks that deliver actionable insights.

  • Partner closely with Culinary and Marketing teams to inform long-term menu strategy, innovation priorities, and product development decisions.

  • Identify white space opportunities, emerging food and beverage trends, competitive learnings, and unmet guest needs to fuel future innovation.

  • Translate guest insights into clear recommendations that improve product quality, guest satisfaction, and business performance.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Collaborate closely with Culinary teams to translate insights into prototypes and optimize products.

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to Marketing, Culinary, Operations, and Leadership teams by providing strategic recommendations grounded in data and consumer understanding.

  • Present findings and business implications to senior leadership with clarity, confidence, and influence.

  • Champion a consumer-first mindset across the organization and advocate for guest insights throughout the product development process.

  • Research Excellence & Methodology

  • Design and oversee custom research programs utilizing a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including focus groups, in-depth interviews, surveys, and sensory panels.

  • Moderate focus groups and qualitative sessions as needed.

  • Execute in-house testing initiatives and work collaboratively with cross-functional partners to ensure seamless study implementation.

  • Apply advanced analytical techniques and sensory evaluation tools to uncover meaningful insights and opportunities.

  • Manage external research agencies and suppliers, ensuring high-quality deliverables, methodological rigor, timelines, and budget efficiency.

  • Continuously evolve research practices by incorporating innovative methodologies, technologies, and best practices.

Qualifications
  • Experience & Expertise

  • 5+ years of experience in consumer insights, sensory research, market research, or product innovation, preferably within the restaurant, foodservice, food and beverage, or consumer packaged goods industries.

  • Demonstrated success influencing product development and menu innovation

  • through consumer-driven insights.

  • Experience managing sensory testing programs and translating findings into actionable recommendations.

  • Skills & Competencies

  • Strong understanding of sensory research methodologies and consumer research techniques.

  • Experience designing, conducting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative studies.

  • Exceptional storytelling, presentation, and communication skills.

  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.

  • Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across functions and organizational levels.

  • Proficiency with research, survey, and data visualization tools.

  • Willingness and ability to travel as needed to support testing.

  • Performance & Success Measures

Success in this role will be demonstrated through:
  • A food and beverage innovation pipeline rooted in deep guest understanding.

  • Tangible impact on menu performance, guest satisfaction, and innovation success rates.

  • Clear, influential insights that shape critical culinary and marketing decisions.

  • Strong partnerships across Culinary, Marketing, and Operations teams.

  • Efficient and effective execution of sensory and consumer research programs.

  • Identification of emerging trends and opportunities that support long-term brand growth.

Competitive Pay-$104,942 to $125,930 annually.
The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
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About Panera Bread

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panera began in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company, a humble community bakery founded with a sourdough starter from San Francisco and a dream of putting a loaf of bread in every arm. While our business has expanded well beyond St. Louis since then, that same sourdough starter is still used in our iconic sourdough bread and the craft of baking bread fresh each day remains at the heart of Panera Bread. Each day our trained bakers fill our bakery shelves with delicious freshly baked cookies, pastries, bagels, and a range of breads from focaccia to classic baguettes. We believe in serving delicious, freshly prepared, Clean food made with carefully selected ingredients that we are proud to serve our own families. Our menu, crafted by chefs and bakers, features classic, comforting dishes, each with an intriguing twist. We respect our planet and take measures to lessen our impacts. We believe in treating people with warmth, kindness, and respect, whether it’s a guest in our cafe or one of our associates. And we believe in helping our local communities, especially in times of need.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1981

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