Are you a dynamic sensory scientist or R&D professional? Are you looking to work as a Qualitative Sensory Associate Director on exciting client innovation projects?
In this role, you will work on all the portfolio of Sensory Qual methodologies we have developed at MMR over the last 13 years. You will help support our clients in designing ideal product and pack briefs, understanding sensorially active characteristics during the consumption journey, and developing complete guardrails for innovation alongside our qual and brand consultant colleagues.
About MMR...
We are an independent, global consumer and sensory research agency specializing in food, drink, personal and household care research. We are industry leaders, guiding best-in-class innovation for our clients – partnering with over 50% of the top 100 global food and drink brands such as Coca Cola, Diageo, Mondelez, GSK, Kelloggs, Colgate, and Unilever.
Our team of over 900 highly engaged, multi-disciplined employees are dynamic research professionals, sensory experts, and data scientists. We’re a diverse bunch, with backgrounds in R&D, insight, marketing, sensory science, data sciences, and psychology. We also have a true global reach with offices in the UK, US, China, South Africa, Singapore, Colombia, Brazil, India, Thailand, and the Netherlands.
We are a “people first” company that prides itself on collaboration, honesty, and mutual trust. You’ll see we’re currently rated at 4.7 out of 5 as an employer destination on Glassdoor, with 97% of our employees recommending us to a friend.
Responsibilities...
You will work across all MMR existing client teams and new ones, providing variety in the product categories researched and challenges. We are solution-focused, so adaptability and quick thinking are crucial. Most of MMR’s work is food, drink, and personal care related, so experience in these sectors is advantageous.
All our Sensory Qual approaches use qualitative collaborative techniques, so consumer understanding and great client interaction are key to adding value to the process. You will own the projects you work on and deliver them from proposal to debrief, as well as lead and collaborate on business development initiatives to continue to grow our client base.
We conduct research worldwide with a mix of in-person and online approaches, with opportunities to travel when appropriate. Any foreign language skills are advantageous. Being able to drive a car and travel within South Africa (and internationally) is essential.
As part of the wider Sensory Community of MMR, you will share your sensory knowledge and assessment skills across the business and be involved in selling and delivering exciting new ventures like Sensory Semiotics!
The EMEA Sensory Qual team you will join is a welcoming bunch of foodies who love discovering new products from all over the world and will offer keen support throughout. In this role, you will be responsible for managing one person based in Durban, South Africa, while working closely with the EMEA Sensory Qual team, largely based in the UK.
What we need from you:
- Energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to get stuck in.
- Strong passion for sensory research and innovation in FMCG / CPG sectors.
- Sensory moderation skills to elicit detailed sensory vocabulary from trained panelists and transfer these skills to clients / untrained consumers.
- Sensory acuity to articulate product sensory characteristics and provide clear recommendations on product differences relevant to project objectives.
- Strong communication skills (fluent in written / spoken English is essential) and comfort presenting and leading workshops with senior clients and internal stakeholders.
- Strong leadership and collaboration skills; comfortable leading a team and working collaboratively with others to deliver multi-stage projects, while also able to work independently.
- Ability to write engaging story-led presentations and present them with gravitas to senior audiences.
- Experience managing mid-level personnel and the drive to grow the team in the future.
- Fluency in written / spoken African or Middle Eastern languages is an advantage but not a requirement.
At MMR, we're committed to ensuring the happiness and well-being of each employee, regardless of where they are in the world!
We offer a wide range of core and additional benefits to enhance your experience with us. Competitive salaries, ample holiday allowances, and unparalleled training opportunities are standard here. Our vibrant culture, talented team, and focus on employee well-being is what makes MMR truly shine.
We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and everyone can be the best versions of themselves.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Apply now!
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