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Sensory Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Altria Group, Inc.

Head of Flavor & Sensory

Richmond, VA · On-site

$174K - $305K/yr

... management, and operating standards • Define validation frameworks and integrate consumer, sensory, and technical evidence into decisions and learning loops Lead the External Ecosystem and ...

Blue Bottle Coffee

Professional certifications related to coffee quality and sensory evaluation, such as Q Grader, SCA Sensory Skills, or SCA Roasting, are highly preferred. * Experience in quality management within a ...

CADY

Shift Manager

Herndon, VA · On-site

$23.50/hr

Job Summary The CADY Shift Manager, assists in the day-to-day management of photography teams and ... potential sensory stimulants (i.e., busy retail environment with camera flashes, music, and ...

CADY

Shift Manager

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Job Summary The CADY Shift Manager, assists in the day-to-day management of photography teams and ... potential sensory stimulants (i.e., busy retail environment with camera flashes, music, and ...

Cady Studios, LLC

Shift Manager

Herndon, VA · On-site

$23.50/hr

Job Summary The CADY Shift Manager, assists in the day-to-day management of photography teams and ... potential sensory stimulants (i.e., busy retail environment with camera flashes, music, and ...

Cady Studios, LLC

Shift Manager

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Job Summary The CADY Shift Manager, assists in the day-to-day management of photography teams and ... potential sensory stimulants (i.e., busy retail environment with camera flashes, music, and ...

Nestle

Senior Specialist Product Insights

Arlington, VA · On-site

$103K - $130K/yr

Manage Product Testing Logistics Learn and apply all Product Testing rules when it comes to Product Procurement (e.g. same factory code to be used for Consumer Testing and Sensory Evaluation)

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Sensory Manager information

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$28.8K

$103.7K

$117K

How much do sensory manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for sensory manager in Virginia is $103,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sensory manager?

Sensory Managers are professionals who oversee sensory evaluation programs within food, beverage, personal care, or consumer goods companies. They design and implement tests to assess the product's sensory attributes, such as taste, smell, texture, and appearance, ensuring products meet quality standards and align with consumer preferences. Sensory Managers coordinate panels of trained or consumer testers, analyze data, and collaborate with R&D, marketing, and quality teams to guide product development and improvement. Their work is essential for maintaining product consistency and supporting successful product launches.

How does a sensory manager typically collaborate with product development teams during new product launches?

A Sensory Manager plays a crucial role in new product launches by partnering closely with product development, marketing, and quality teams to ensure that sensory attributes meet both consumer preferences and brand standards. They design and oversee sensory testing, interpret data, and provide actionable recommendations to guide formulation adjustments. Regular cross-functional meetings and clear communication are essential, as Sensory Managers translate consumer insights into technical feedback and help troubleshoot sensory-related challenges throughout the development process.

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

To thrive as a Sensory Manager, you typically need a background in food science, sensory evaluation, or a related field, often with a bachelor's or master's degree and experience in sensory analysis. Familiarity with sensory testing methods, data analysis software (such as Compusense or RedJade), and quality assurance protocols is crucial. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills set exceptional Sensory Managers apart. These skills ensure accurate product assessments, effective team management, and the delivery of high-quality products that meet consumer expectations.

How to become a sensory manager?

To become a sensory manager, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field, along with experience in sensory evaluation or quality control. Developing skills in sensory analysis techniques, data interpretation, and familiarity with industry tools is essential, and some roles may require certification such as the Certified Sensory Professional. Gaining experience in a food or beverage manufacturing environment is also beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sensory jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Sensory jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Sensory Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Sensory Manager job openings:

Sensory Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensory Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,678 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Head of Flavor & Sensory

Altria Group, Inc.

Richmond, VA • On-site

$174K - $305K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Altria Group rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title: Head of Flavor & Sensory
Req Id: 3008
Work Model: Remote
Company: Altria Client Services
State/Province: Virginia
Job Description:
Together We Innovate. Together We Change.
What if the next frontier of growth isn't just what we make, but how precisely we shape how it's experienced, and how flavor and sensory can become a scalable engine of innovation and connection? This role elevates them into a strategic lever, uniting science, insights, and product development to drive compelling experiences and stronger market impact.
We are actively recruiting the Head of Flavor & Sensory to join our Growth Organization in Richmond, VA or we are open to remote work arrangements. Must be willing to travel as needed, approximately 30-40%.
The Head of Flavor & Sensory will own and lead a critical capability at the heart of product differentiation, translating flavor and sensory science into consumer preference and commercial advantage. By integrating technical expertise, insights, and innovation, this role will transform flavor and sensory into a strategic system that consistently delivers superior, consumer-winning experiences.
What you'll be doing:
Define Strategy and Superiority
• Define consumer-winning sensory ambition and translate insights into clear category targets and product priorities
• Establish "where to play/how to win" strategies and define superiority scorecards and evidence standards
Build Capability & Innovation
• Evolve flavor and sensory capabilities, standards, and differentiated product-experience systems
• Build benchmarking, modeling, long-term capability, talent, and innovation roadmap
Integrate the Capability System
• Integrate cross-functional expertise (sensory, R&D, analytics, regulatory, etc.) into a unified product-experience system
Enable Delivery, Govern Validation and Evidence
• Deploy capabilities into priority programs with clear ownership, portfolio management, and operating standards
• Define validation frameworks and integrate consumer, sensory, and technical evidence into decisions and learning loops
Lead the External Ecosystem and Knowledge System
• Build and manage strategic external partnerships to accelerate innovation
• Standardize knowledge capture and reuse across tools, insights, and future development
Measure Performance and Impact
• Define KPIs and use insights to improve delivery, resourcing, and ways of working
• Build team capability and succession pipeline to sustain long-term advantage
We want you to have:
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in food science, Chemistry, Consumer Science, or a related technical field
  • 15+ years related experience in flavor, sensory, product development, consumer science or related technical fields
  • Experience leveraging external partners to accelerate capability and innovation design and technology development)
  • Demonstrated experience defining flavor, sensory, or product-experience strategy across categories or platforms.
  • Strong technical credibility across flavor, sensory, product development, and related analytical or product-science disciplines.
  • Proven ability to operate effectively as a system leader with internal and external stakeholders
  • Awareness of consumer-product trends, competitive developments, emerging technologies, and future category opportunities.
  • Occasional domestic and international travel may be required

As a People Leader at Altria, you are accountable for both results and the experience of your team. You drive alignment by connecting strategy to daily work, and you model collaboration by embracing diverse perspectives. By creating trust, offering feedback, and leading with authenticity, you help strengthen Altria's culture and deliver meaningful outcomes.
The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $174,700.00 - $305,650.00.
Why You'll Love Building Your Career at Altria
At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported - both at work and in life. Here's what you'll find here:
  • Work where life works for you - with flexible and remote options that fit your world, not the other way around.
  • Own your time - start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully
  • A place where you belong - where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real
  • Get recognized for your work - annual merit increases and performance bonus
  • A future you can count on - 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%-17% of your base salary
  • Help with your goals - get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends
  • Support for what matters most - comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
  • Celebrating your milestones - paid parental and bonding leave for life's biggest moments.
  • Wellness that goes beyond work - programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life
  • A culture that gives back - paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference

At Altria, we offer more than benefits - we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.
Altria is a Fortune 500 company that has a leading portfolio of products for U.S. adult tobacco and nicotine consumers 21+. For decades we've been leaders in the tobacco industry, but the industry is evolving - and so are we. Our Vision is Moving Beyond Smoking™.
At Altria, we celebrate the power of diverse teams working together to shape our future. Each Altria company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals with conviction records, a fair chance at employment. Join us as we work together to shape a better future for adult tobacco consumers, our employees, and our shareholders.
Altria is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, John Middleton, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Helix Innovations, and NJOY. Altria complements its tobacco portfolio with equity investments in Anheuser-Busch InBev and Cronos Group.
Learn more about Altria at www.altria.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

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