Sensory & Consumer Scientist

Job Description:

Segment: Mars Food & Nutrition

Location: Oud-beijerland, Netherlands

Contract: Permanent | Full-time

At Mars Food & Nutrition, we know that creating products consumers love starts with truly understanding their needs, preferences, and experiences. As a Sensory & Consumer Scientist, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our innovation and product portfolio by bringing the consumer voice into critical business decisions.

You'll partner with cross-functional teams across R&D, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Quality & Food Safety, and Commercial to generate meaningful consumer and sensory insights that influence product design, innovation strategies, and renovation projects globally.

This is an exciting opportunity for a scientist who enjoys combining analytical thinking with business impact, is naturally curious about consumer behavior, and thrives in a collaborative environment where influencing stakeholders and turning data into action are key to success.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead sensory and consumer research programs that generate actionable insights throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Design, execute, and interpret sensory and consumer studies to understand the relationship between consumers and our products.
• Translate complex research findings into clear recommendations that guide product design, innovation, and business decisions.
• Partner closely with R&D, Marketing, Consumer Insights, and Commercial teams to ensure consumer learnings are embedded in product development strategies.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen product claims and validate them through robust consumer testing.
• Build strong relationships with external research partners and leverage emerging methodologies, tools, and technologies to deepen consumer understanding.
• Provide expertise in research design, data analysis, statistical approaches, and best practices in sensory and consumer science.
• Stay connected to industry developments and proactively identify new opportunities to strengthen our consumer-centric approach.

What are we looking for?

We're looking for someone who combines scientific rigor with commercial curiosity and enjoys working across functions to drive meaningful outcomes.

• Academic background in Sensory Science, Consumer Science, Food Science, Life Sciences, Consumer Research, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading sensory and consumer research programs within an R&D, innovation, or product development environment.
• Strong understanding of research methodologies, experimental design, and data interpretation.
• Experience translating consumer insights into product recommendations and influencing decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders while maintaining a high level of quality and scientific integrity.
• Experience collaborating with external research agencies and building effective partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

If you're excited by the opportunity to influence the future of consumer-centred innovation through science and insight, we'd love to hear from you.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.