Director, Technical Consumer Research

Job Title: Technical Consumer Research Director

Reporting to: Luz Villavicencio

Location: USA - Atlanta, GA

Hybrid: Onsite minimum 3 days a week

Job Purpose Summary

The Technical Consumer Research (TCR) Director will spearhead the generation of pivotal product-related knowledge to understand and define the core consumer and sensory requirements for specific beverage categories. This role involves strategizing, designing, and leading the implementation of comprehensive research proposals focused on human-centric design, which includes product, packaging, and equipment.

You will be a business partner and collaborate closely with the OU and Global teams such as Marketing, Human Insights, and Global Development & Innovation (GDI) teams. The TCR Director will lead category planning, develop, and implement comprehensive Sensory & Consumer Research strategies. These strategies will be instrumental in guiding our long-range plans, thereby reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional consumer experiences across the North America OU and Global initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

CONSUMER RESEARCH DESIGN PRINCIPLES

• TCR Leadership of NAOU Category and Global Community.

• Be a business partner by leading and influencing the innovation pipeline for the North America Operating Unit and the Global TCR Community, adopting a consumer-first mindset and with a deep understanding of the business environment.

• Identify strategic category needs to develop and implement research plans to gain actionable sensory and consumer insights, providing technical guidance to the development team, Operating Unit and Global Category teams.

• Define and understand fundamental sensory science/ consumer research requirements, injecting this knowledge into product solution development.

• Perform analysis and interpret test results; form conclusions on studies conducted. Prepare and present technical conclusion.

• Champion best practices, research methodologies, and develop creative solutions to complex challenges. Be curious and identify innovative alternative methods.

DATA ANALYTICS & SYNTHESIS

• Independently perform analysis and interpret research data using appropriate statistical techniques, including parametric and non-parametric methods, ANOVA, factorial analysis, and modeling tools.

• Proficient usage of Statistical software (SPSS, SAS, etc.), Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Project, Word.

• Knowledge of AI and Machine Learning principles, demonstrating an eagerness to deepen understanding and apply these technologies effectively.

• Early adopter of new technologies and data analytics. Develops tools and solutions that bolster competitive advantage and deliver market-leading results.

TECHNICAL RISK MANAGEMENT

• Proven experience working with cross-functional teams to understand and assess technical risks, including Type I Error (alpha) and Type II Error (beta). Develop strategies to mitigate these risks and implement proactive measures to ensure project continuity and system integrity.

BUSINESS UNDERSTANDING & SYSTEM KNOWLEDGE

• System Thinking- Partner with cross functional teams considering the needs of multiple stakeholders to influence and drive decisions for beneficial business outcomes.

• Ability to listen to and influence those in less technical roles to act and invest in capabilities with compelling business cases.

• Build cross-functional relationships and networks to drive consumer-centric solution development within assigned categories.

TECHNCIAL COMMUNICATION & DATA STORYTELLING

• Translate strategic visions into actionable plans, using knowledge of current business processes and best practices.

• Communicate with clarity and precision by using data-driven storytelling to drive change, negotiate with stakeholders, and engage with target audiences.

• Delivers insightful reports and trend dashboards to thoroughly examine consumer behavior, turning data into practical insights and suggestions for the entire organization.

INFLUENCING & STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• Function as a key business partner by effectively managing and nurturing internal and external relationships, including collaboration with research suppliers, academic institutions, and cross-functional project teams, to support and advance organizational goals.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• B.S or MS/PhD degree from an accredited college or university (in-market research, food or sensory science, behavioral psychology, or related fields).

• Minimum 12 years of experience with technical mastery of TCR methodologies and at least 5 years of consumer testing experience

DESIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

Human-Centered Design: Lead holistic research plans to address key questions for a specific project

• Sensory Science & Consumer Science with a sound understanding of the underlying statistics.

• Social & behavior science

• Research Design Principles for qualitative and quantitative research

• Technical risk management

• User experience

Technical Communication:

• Simplify complex information in a concise format that is appropriate for the audience.

• Clear technical communication and storytelling with data

• Data Engineering, database development & understanding.

• Build credibility with both technical and non-technical audiences, influencing decision makers and benefiting customers or the Company.

Data Analytics & Synthesis of Structured and Unstructured data.

• Excellent statistics and data analysis skills.

• Knowledge of AI and Machine Learning principles.

• Data management tools and proficiency in visualization (PowerBI or other)

Business Partnerships: Work with multiple functions to execute project work (R&D, Marketing, HI, etc.)

• Cross functional and strategic interactions with cross functional teams

• Partnering with internal and external stakeholders and offering valuable market analysis and strategic guidance.

• Proficiency in mentoring and coaching team members and peers effectively.

• Strong enthusiasm, creativity, and curiosity, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.

Process Improvement

• Process improvement mindset.

• Bring the outside in, remain current with relevant scientific literature. Inspire self and the team with external resources.

Skills

Empathy; Influencing; Continual Improvement Process; Human-Centered Design; Creativity; Design Thinking; Statistics; Project Management; Data Storytelling; Consumer Sciences; Data Analytics; Communication; Data Visualization; Consumer Research; Data Compilation; Business Partnerships; Teamwork; Process Improvements; Sensory Testing