Senior Sensory Scientist

What makes this a great opportunity?

• The alcohol beverage industry is an exciting, dynamic, and fast-paced business. Suntory Global Spirits is a top player in the industry and focused on driving both category and brand growth.  
• The Sr. Sensory Scientist role is an influencer in liquid innovation, optimization, quality, and production across Suntory Global Spirits portfolio, including Distilled Spirits and Ready-to-Drink beverages. 
• They will build a network across the global organization have an impact within a short period of time and as partner on long term research initiatives. 

Role Responsibilities

This role is responsible for using and creating sensory consumer and analytical methods to guide innovation product development and maintaining high quality of our liquids. The Sr. Sensory Scientist will be a key partner using experience to identify trends, drive creative solutions to business challenges, design and lead testing plans with scientific rigor, create actionable recommendations, and report those results. They will collaborate with Product Development, Marketing, Consumer Insights, Operations, and other internal and external partners on new products, processes, quality improvements and cost savings to drive Suntory Global Spirits profitable growth and business success.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead custom sensory and consumer product research initiatives, employing a variety of methodologies, including descriptive analysis and both quantitative and qualitative consumer research, throughout all stages: design, execution, analysis, and recommendations. 
• Cultivate strong relationships with cross-functional teams and external research suppliers to enhance project outcomes. 
• Demonstrate a high level of accountability and self-motivation, ensuring all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. 
• Exhibit intellectual curiosity and develop creative solutions to meet business and research objectives effectively. 
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Work effectively within a highly collaborative team, fostering a positive and productive work atmosphere. 
• Conduct thorough analyses of data, translating findings into actionable insights for diverse audiences. 
• Develop and present actionable recommendations to support innovation in product development and quality enhancement. 
• Leverage experience in creating and utilizing experimental designs and conducting comprehensive category appraisals. 
• Exhibit strong verbal and written communication skills, ensuring timely follow-up, commitment to deliverables, and a willingness to give and receive constructive feedback. 
• Stay informed about new approaches and best practices in sensory and consumer research to drive method improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Statistics, Psychology, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree with a focus on Sensory Science is preferred. 
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in sensory and consumer research, with at least 4 years if holding a Master’s degree, utilizing a diverse range of research methodologies. 
• Experience with beverages or alcoholic beverages, including distilled spirits, ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, is highly desirable. 
• A strong desire to contribute to and promote an inclusive culture within Global Product Development team and the broader Suntory Global Spirits organization. 
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for research and project engagements, with travel commitments approximately ranging from 10% to 30%. Most travel will be to operations in Kentucky and corporate offices in Chicago and New York. 
• Must be physically fit to work primarily in laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments, which may involve extended periods of standing and the ability to move and lift objects up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to taste limited quantities of alcoholic beverage samples in alignment with research objectives.