Apply on Employer Site

PepsiCo · 2 days ago

Sensory & Consumer Experience Associate Principal Scientist - Front End Innovation

Plano, TX

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$89K/yr - $149K/yr

3+ years exp

PepsiCo is a leading global food and beverage company, and they are seeking a Sensory & Consumer Experience Associate Principal Scientist to support innovation product development. The role involves conducting qualitative research to inform product innovation and ensure consumer needs are integrated into decision-making processes.

Brand MarketingFast-Moving Consumer GoodsFood and BeverageManufacturing

No H1B

Responsibilities

Develop and coordinate consumer-driven research plans in support of Foundational/Front-End Innovation to build deep empathy and ensure human needs are embedded in R&D’s decision-making process

Apply a variety of qualitative methods (including but not limited to ethnographies, consumer co-creations, diary studies, interviews, etc.) to discover whitespace opportunities, explore propositions and inform early-stage innovation

Provide sound technical recommendations to enable R&D business decisions. Interpret qualitative data and translate insights into clear, compelling recommendations and roadmaps that influence product development and strategic decisions

Develop research briefs, collaborating with research partners to ensure development of relevant consumer experiences

Work in H2/H3 innovation spaces to ensure PepsiCo is a future ready organization, applying and developing forward-thinking approaches and capabilities to stay ahead of evolving consumer needs

Curate and integrate consumer and category trends, uncovering emerging opportunities that challenge traditional thinking and inform project scope

Analyze and integrate information from different sources in order to build holistic understanding of consumer behavior and provide robust project recommendations

Advance R&D’s human-centric understanding by building capabilities, participating in pilot programs, and applying new methodologies to deepen consumer empathy and drive innovation

10-15% Travel may be required for the role U.S. and/or International

Qualification

Consumer ResearchQualitative ResearchHuman-Centered DesignFood ScienceBehavioral ScienceCreative Problem SolvingStorytellingCollaborationCommunication Skills

Required

BS, MS, or Ph.D.: Major in Food Science (thesis in Sensory), Sensory Science, Behavioral Science, Consumer Psychology, Anthropology, or related field

3-4+ years (with MS/PhD) or 5-7+ years (with BS) Consumer Research experience within a major consumer packaged goods company or research supplier

Deep expertise in qualitative research fundamentals and their application in new and existing product innovation. Must be comfortable with high levels of research complexity and open-ended questions

Creative problem solver and out-of-the-box thinker, able to think creatively & holistically

Knowledge of design thinking principles and the ability to apply human-centered design methodologies

Experience in leading multiple complex projects independently and managing competing priorities with agility

Exceptional storytelling and communication skills—able to navigate through complexity and deliver engaging, impactful insights

Comfortable navigating ambiguity, with a strong ability to synthesize diverse perspectives and cultural nuances

Highly collaborative, flexible, and team-oriented, contributing to idea generation and fostering a culture of innovation

This position is limited to persons with indefinite right to work in the United States

Preferred

Masters/PhD preferred

Experience in global organization welcomed but not required

Benefits

Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 10% of annual salary paid out annually.

Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.

In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.