Analyst, Sensory & Consumer Insights

Panera Bread•Newton, MA

1d•$83,686 - $100,423

About The Position

The Analyst, Sensory & Consumer Insights supports Panera’s innovation pipeline and sensory testing programs by evaluating product performance, identifying and sizing opportunities, and informing product development and optimization. The role partners with cross-functional teams to execute research, translate findings into clear insights, and provide actionable recommendations for business decisions. The position supports sensory and concept testing for Panera Bread, including planning and managing product tests, designing customer surveys, coordinating the front-of-house testing experience, maintaining equipment and protocols, analyzing and presenting findings, and managing historical test results and benchmarks. It may also conduct focus groups or moderated feedback sessions and analyze concept tests and related consumer research. The role also supports broader Research & Insights projects by building relationships with stakeholders, research vendors, and partners, and maintaining the research library. Required travel is up to 15–25%.

Requirements

Two to five years of relevant professional experience.
Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including product development and innovation research such as concept screening, sensory testing, or product testing.
Experience with segmentation, market structure, and strategic consumer analyses, including drivers of growth.
Experience supporting or managing market research projects, including survey design, implementation, data analysis, interpretation, and report writing.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, DIY research environment.
Ability to synthesize data and present analytical findings in a concise, compelling, and business-relevant way.
Ability to work independently while seeking guidance and alignment from a manager as needed.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor insights for different audiences.
BA/BS in business, market research, statistics, food science, or another related field.

Nice To Haves

Food, beverage, restaurant, sensory testing, or product research experience.
Strong data analysis skills, with experience in statistical analysis, competitive evaluation, and insight synthesis preferred.
MBA.
Food service industry experience.

Responsibilities

Partner with cross-functional teams to plan, manage, and execute sensory and product testing for recipes, ingredients, and future innovation.
Design and program customer surveys that align with research objectives and deliver clear, actionable feedback.
Manage the front-of-house sensory testing experience, including participant welcome and sign-in, survey troubleshooting, and food service coordination.
Maintain sensory testing equipment, materials, documentation, and testing protocols.
Analyze and present sensory and consumer research results to internal stakeholders, vendors, and suppliers.
Maintain a historical database and benchmarking system of sensory test results to inform future decisions.
Conduct focus groups or moderated feedback sessions with sensory participants as needed.
Develop recommendations to improve sensory testing, product performance, and guest experience.
Analyze and report findings from concept tests (Datassential) and related consumer research studies.
Support other sensory-related needs as defined by the business.
Build strong working relationships with key stakeholders and become a trusted partner for research support and consumer insight.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with trusted research vendors and partners.
Maintain and update the research library to ensure teams have access to relevant, timely analysis and prior learnings.