Director, Sensory Science

fairlife • Chicago, IL

12d • $165,000 - $180,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Sensory & Consumer Science is a visionary and hands-on leader responsible for shaping the future of product experience across the portfolio. This role sets the long-term sensory strategy, drives innovation through advanced methodologies, and ensures flawless tactical execution of sensory research and training programs. In addition to leading the Sensory & Consumer Science function, this role works closely with Quality Assurance sensory programs, ensuring robust product screening and staff capability building. Reporting to the VP of R&D, the Director Sensory partners closely within R&D and with Marketing, Consumer Insights, Quality, and Commercial teams, as well as external academic and industry partners, to translate consumer perception into competitive advantage and deliver superior product experiences.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Sensory Science, Food Science, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in applied sensory and sensory strategy in food and beverage. Dairy experience preferred.
• 5+ years leading sensory strategy, teams, and cross-functional influence at scale.
• Proven expertise in sensory insights, experimental design, and translating data into business-shaping recommendations.
• Sensory panel management experience required.
• Deep consumer empathy and passion for crafting meaningful product experiences.
• Experience managing budgets, resources, and complex project portfolios.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with automation, machine learning, digital olfaction, or AI-enabled sensory analytics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a holistic sensory and consumer science strategy that fuels innovation, renovation, and productivity across the enterprise.
• Champion a consumer-obsessed mindset, ensuring sensory insights shape long-term product roadmaps, packaging innovation, and modernization initiatives.
• Drive breakthrough innovation by integrating emerging technologies (AI/ML analytics, digital olfaction, automation, rapid sensory tools) into the sensory ecosystem.
• Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of sensory and consumer research, ensuring methodological rigor and business relevance.
• Oversee sensory panel operations, including recruitment, training, calibration, and performance management.
• Responsible for managing all external sensory testing and consulting relationship.
• Ensure the team delivers high-quality, timely, and actionable insights that influence decisions across product development, quality, and marketing.
• Translate complex sensory data into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Build and embed agile sensory tools that accelerate development cycles and improve decision quality.
• Advance sensory methodologies, data analytics, and product/packaging standards to ensure world-class capabilities.
• Establish and continuously refine sensory KPIs, quality thresholds, and evaluation frameworks that drive consistency and speed.
• Lead the development of training programs for internal teams, cross-functional partners, and external collaborators to elevate sensory literacy across the organization.
• Ensure sensory standards and tools are embedded in the organization.
• Build and sustain a global network of universities, research institutes, and industry leaders to bring cutting-edge science and best practices into the organization.
• Serve as a senior expert in customer engagements and strategic presentations.
• Influence at all levels of the organization with strong communication, storytelling, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Partner with Quality leadership and ensure QA sensory programs are aligned with R&D sensory standards.
• Provide strategic and technical guidance to QA teams responsible for onsite sensory screening and product release evaluations.
• Support the development of recognition and reward programs that reinforce excellence in sensory execution and product stewardship.
• Prioritize and guide key initiatives across innovation, renovation, quality, and productivity pipelines.
• Manage budgets, staffing, and external resources to maximize impact and ROI.
• Ensure disciplined project management, clear communication, and timely delivery of sensory workstreams.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director