Sensory and Consumer Guidance Scientist

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of over 200 brands in over 180 countries globally, including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness!

Our performance ambition is to be one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. We are proud of the brands we make and the enjoyment they give to millions. We are passionate about alcohol playing a positive role in society as part of a balanced lifestyle. It is central to our purpose to celebrate life, every day, everywhere!

General Job Summary

The Sensory and Consumer Guidance Scientist plays a pivotal role in supporting North America's innovation initiatives, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as product development, packaging, consumer planning, and marketing to align, coordinate, and drive product research programs. This individual uses their sensory and consumer expertise to assess business needs, design consumer-centric research, and implement testing solutions that translate behavioral and product insights into actionable recommendations. Partnering with the Director of Sensory and Consumer Guidance Americas, the Sensory and Consumer Guidance Scientist applies innovative methodologies and analytical tools to enhance the product development process, ensuring data-driven decisions rooted in consumer needs and preferences.

Essential Job Functions

Sensory & Consumer Research Leadership

• Lead sensory and consumer research across multiple categories, collaborating with internal teams and external research agencies.
• Design consumer-centric research programs to support innovation launches, addressing business objectives with clear, actionable insights.
• Direct and oversee employee testing at Stamford, CT and NYC, NY locations, including acceptance testing, rapid profiling, and bartender panels. Recruit, maintain, and train employee panels to ensure high-quality, reliable sensory testing.

AI & Digital Leadership

• Lead the AI-powered flavor trend prediction platform, integrating insights into sensory research to support innovation and product development.
• Conduct customized regional research using AI tools to predict consumer trends and behaviors, enhancing decision-making for innovation strategies.
• Adapt and develop other AI & digital tools, expanding their utility for uncovering consumer behavior patterns and identifying emerging trends.

Methodology Development

• Collaborate with the Sensory and Consumer Guidance team and external experts to develop and refine advanced product research methodologies, integrating behavioral and emotional metrics to generate integrated insights.
• Continuously evolve sensory practices to meet dynamic business needs, using innovative tools and approaches to enhance research impact.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Technical Expertise

• Expertise in sensory research techniques, including descriptive analysis, rapid profiling, discrimination, and affective testing.
• Strong background in consumer research, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods to capture insights into consumer preferences, behaviors, and emotions.
• Knowledge of behavioral and emotional measurements to provide nuanced consumer insights that support product optimization.

Analytical Skills

• Advanced statistical expertise, including proficiency in sensory data analysis tools (e.g., Compusense, XLSTAT).
• Experience with predictive analytics, including design of experiments and multivariate analysis, to drive data-driven decisions.
• Preferred experience in AI-driven methodologies, such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning, for enhanced consumer behavior analysis.

Data-Driven Storytelling

• Strong ability to interpret complex data sets, distill impactful insights, and communicate findings effectively to inform business strategies.
• Skilled in data-driven storytelling, connecting sensory and consumer insights to compelling narratives that resonate with partners.

Curiosity & Continuous Learning

Commitment to staying at the forefront of sensory science, consumer behavior, and emerging research methodologies, fostering continuous innovation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Consumer Behavior, or a related field with at least 7 years of experience in sensory and consumer research, or a Master's degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience. A Master's degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Strong experience in the food and beverage industry, with a proven ability to design consumer-centric research and deliver actionable insights.
• Proficiency in sensory and consumer data analysis tools and advanced statistical techniques.
• Experience integrating AI and digital tools into sensory and consumer research to enhance innovation outcomes.
• This role emphasizes consumer-centricity, advanced methodologies, and analytical expertise to ensure sensory and consumer research delivers meaningful, actionable insights that drive North America's innovation strategies.