Lead Consumer Technical Insights Innovation Scientist

Overview

Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist position at Mars in Slough/ Paddington, United Kingdom. Salary: £62,500 - £76,000, annual bonus, car allowance, benefits. Shape the Future of Snacks & Treats – Join Us as a Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist. We’re seeking a Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist to join our Consumer Technical Insights team and help transform consumer insights into unforgettable product experiences. In this role, you’ll sit at the intersection of R&D, Marketing, and Innovation, ensuring that every product—whether gum, fruity treats, chocolates, or iconic brands like Bounty, Milky Way, Maltesers, and our regional specialties—delivers consistent high-quality experience to consumers across EMEA.

The Lead Sensory Innovation Scientist is a trusted partner to cross-functional partners, ensuring products are created and manufactured consistently, while embracing new ideas and market-driven innovations. With deep expertise in sensory science, consumer insights and the FMCG/snacks industry, you will guide the translation of data into insights that lead to meaningful, consumer-centric solutions that shape the future of our categories.

Responsibilities

• Design, lead, and analyze sensory and consumer research to deliver actionable insights, decisional and diagnostic.
• Partner with product developers to ensure consistent delivery of high quality experience while enabling innovation, cost optimization, regulatory challenges etc.
• Guide claims development and validation to support storytelling and product superiority.
• Anticipate consumer trends, cultural shifts, and market needs across EU to inspire future innovation.
• Mentor and coach colleagues, building sensory and consumer-centric mindset and capabilities across the business.
• Collaborate with R&D, Product Developers and Marketing global and regional teams to deliver project needs and influence strategy.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Psychology, Statistics, or related field (Master’s preferred), or equivalent experience.
• Industry expertise: Proven background in the FMCG (ideally food/snacks) industry with strong sensory science and consumer research experience.
• Technical skills: Solid scientific expertise, advanced data analysis, and ability to translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Leadership/Strategic Influencing: Strong communication and storytelling skills to engage and inspire cross-functional partners at any level.
• Mindset: Creative problem-solver, adaptable, nimble, thrives in ambiguity and is not afraid to bring a clear POV (even if not great news).

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company, striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
• Industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

Other details

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.

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