PEPSICO IS LOOKING FOR R&D SENSORY & CONSUMER EXPERIENCE SCIENTIST TO JOIN IN LEICESTER, UK OR CORK, IRELAND OFFICE.

Are you passionate about understanding consumers and shaping the future of food and beverage experiences? PepsiCo is seeking a dynamic and strategic Senior Scientist to join our R&D Sensory & Consumer Experience team.
In this influential role, you’ll lead sensory and consumer research that drives innovation, brand growth, and product excellence across our global portfolio. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate insights into impactful product design decisions—fueling innovation and transformation across Foods and Beverages.
If you’re driven by curiosity, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to make a global impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Research Leadership: Develop and execute integrated sensory and consumer research plans that support innovation, brand stewardship, and productivity initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, Consumer Insights, and Marketing to align research strategies with business goals and ensure adherence to the TSG process.
• Global to Local Execution: Adapt and implement global sensory protocols to local markets, driving efficiency and consistency in research practices.
• Insight Translation: Deliver clear, actionable insights from both qualitative and quantitative research to inform product development and influence senior stakeholders.
• Capability Building: Mentor and coach peers to elevate research standards and promote best practices across the organization.
• Vendor & Resource Management: Collaborate with external vendors/ partners to ensure high-quality research design and execution aligned with best practices.

Qualifications:

KEY SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Educational Background: Master’s or PhD in Sensory Science, Psychology, Food Science, or a related field. Strong foundation in research design, methodologies, and statistical analysis.
• Industry Experience: at least 2–3 years (with Master’s or PhD) or 5+ years (with Bachelor’s) in sensory or consumer research, ideally within FMCG.
• Research Expertise: Deep knowledge of sensory, qualitative and quantitative testing methods, with a passion for applying cutting-edge consumer science techniques.
• Business Acumen: Ability to connect technical insights with commercial strategy and broader business objectives.
• Analytical & Communication Skills: Strong data interpretation skills, with the ability to distill complex findings into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Digital Fluency: Comfortable with digital tools and systems in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Cultural Agility: Able to work effectively across geographies and cultures, with a collaborative and inclusive mindset.
• Self-starter, self-motivating – very high drive for results and able to deal with uncertainty and complexity.

• Strategic Research Leadership: Develop and execute integrated sensory and consumer research plans that support innovation, brand stewardship, and productivity initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, Consumer Insights, and Marketing to align research strategies with business goals and ensure adherence to the TSG process.
• Global to Local Execution: Adapt and implement global sensory protocols to local markets, driving efficiency and consistency in research practices.
• Insight Translation: Deliver clear, actionable insights from both qualitative and quantitative research to inform product development and influence senior stakeholders.
• Capability Building: Mentor and coach peers to elevate research standards and promote best practices across the organization.
• Vendor & Resource Management: Collaborate with external vendors/ partners to ensure high-quality research design and execution aligned with best practices