Manager Renovation Strategy

Tyson Foods, Inc.•Springdale, AR

About The Position

The Manager Renovation Strategy is a key business partner to an assigned category or portfolio within a strategic Business Unit and drives the sensory learning agenda for that area. The role contributes to designing and launching innovative products, from exploring sensory cues through robust validation, and champions the Consumer Product Performance Program to help maintain flagship products’ quality expectations. As sensory lead for assigned categories, the manager executes guidance and validation studies for innovation priorities, supports consumer product quality for existing products, and validates cost-saving initiatives. The role collaborates with R&D, Marketing, and Consumer Insights to translate sensory insights into recommendations that inform category decisions. The manager also builds partnerships across Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality, and external research vendors, and mentors junior team members. The position is first shift, with travel up to 25%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field, with 6 or more years of relevant practical work experience; alternatively, 4 or more years with a relevant master’s degree, 2 or more years with a Ph.D., or 12 or more years of relevant practical experience without an applicable degree.
Strong understanding and application of core sensory tools, including DI, DA, and CLT, and working knowledge of advanced methods such as design of experiments and category appraisals.
Skill applying front-end research techniques and tools to assess product and packaging functionality.
Strong planning and project-management skills, including experience managing research budgets as business needs change.
Ability to work through ambiguity, adjust to business needs, and anticipate future needs.
Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, pivot tables, and data visualization tools such as Power BI.
Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills; ability to communicate clear research insights, speak with audiences at different organizational levels, ask thoughtful questions, and respond effectively to questions.
Willingness and ability to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
People Leaders are expected to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree, Ph.D., or Sensory Certification.
Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable meat products.
Prior experience with advanced methods such as Drivers of Liking, IHUTs, and combined quantitative/qualitative research.
Proficiency in sensory software such as SIMs or RedJade.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute sensory learning plans for assigned categories and projects to address project objectives.
Independently own assigned categories and escalate strategic questions and priority conflicts to Sensory leadership as appropriate.
Balance hybrid research approaches with existing knowledge and understanding of key sensory attributes to deliver timely, actionable guidance for R&D.
Serve as the product attribute expert for assigned categories, with a solid understanding of key sensory attributes and drivers of liking.
Translate consumer expectations into functional product-development guidance and optimization recommendations.
Partner with R&D to evaluate feasibility and guide development for new technologies.
Share key insights with cross-functional partners and Sensory leadership, and recommend solutions to product-related challenges.
Support the consumer product performance program and contribute recommendations to strategic planning.
Support optimization and training for one or more major programs, such as Product Testing Guidelines or Training.
Stay current on research techniques through conferences, research materials, and industry experts, and apply methods new to Tyson Foods where appropriate using a test-and-learn approach.
Build and maintain working partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality, and external research vendors.
Mentor and support junior team members through training and coaching.
Travel up to 25%.
Demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, safeguard sensitive information, follow company policies, critically evaluate generated outputs, and apply professional judgment.