Researcher, Owned Brand & Product Insights

Target • Minneapolis, MN

2d • $71,000 - $128,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture. Learn more about Target here . Our Product Development & Design organization thrives on the magic of discovering that just-right thing, and we infuse everything we do with our passion for delighting our guests. We concept, develop, make and deliver the great tasting new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve. We are uber-savvy trend and quality experts who stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying our market’s needs and exceeding them, every time. Join one of our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the taste, quality and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will have a direct and positive effect on the Food & Beverage categories. Here, you will be close to the action of dreaming up and bringing to life the Target-owned brands that surprise and gratify guests, wherever and whenever they love to shop. The Owned Brand & Product Insights team leads qualitative and quantitative research for Target’s owned brand products in support of key business needs and opportunities. Can you work cross-functionally to develop and implement the right research methodology that supports product & packaging, brand requirements? Are you a self-starter who can independently run Sensory & Consumer research including scoping/consulting, methodology design, execution, analysis, synthesis and deliverables? Do you understand how to design research that provides direction on product assortments, key product attributes, packaging updates, and claims? Then take your place in a role in which your positive influence is felt throughout the entire product development life cycle, from new product & package innovation to ongoing product improvements and maintenance. A role with Target’s Owned Brand & Product Insights team is an opportunity to bring owned brands to life by anchoring in insights to develop brands, products, and packaging that our guests will love.  You will leverage internal and external partnerships to support innovation, product creation, and packaging development projects.  Your influence and ability to efficiently consult with cross-functional partners, plan strategic research, execute, and communicate actionable insights will add value to the business teams, enabling Target to build differentiated owned brands. As an Owned Brand & Product Insights Researcher, you will integrate consumer understanding into the development process to guide development and help the business make better decisions. Conduct product sensory and consumer tests for Food & Beverage categories (new products, renovations, co-creation, post-launch) Utilize a variety of testing methods to meet project objectives/goals in the development process Build strategic partnerships with cross-functional partners & stakeholders Develop strong and strategic cross-functional partnerships across various departments, such as Merchandising, Product Development/Design, Packaging, Sourcing, Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Brand & Portfolio Management, Enterprise Insights, and other areas of the business Leverage internal and external partnerships to support sensory and consumer research As an Owned Brand & Product Insights Researcher, you will conduct sensory and consumer research, utilizing a variety of testing techniques. You will work with cross-functional teams on research needs, and execute, analyze & interpret sensory & consumer data to deliver insights to meet business needs. Although the role is heavily focused in the sensory and consumer science space, you will have the opportunity to expand your reach into other types of research. We will support you along the way with robust onboarding and proactive career development discussions to help you grow as a Product Insights Researcher. The exciting part of retail? It is always changing!  Core responsibilities for this job are described within this job description.  Job duties may change at any time due to business needs .

Requirements

• B.S in Food Science/Sensory Science, Psychology or related field; M.S. preferred in Food Science with a concentration in Sensory & Consumer Science
• Minimum 1-2 years relevant experience
• Understanding of sensory and consumer testing principles and methods, and their application to product development.
• Accountable and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to scope, design research plans, analyze data, apply statistics to sensory / consumer projects, and write actionable insights
• Key competencies: attention to detail, problem solver, critical thinking, dealing with ambiguity, organized, communicative, collaborative, adaptable.

Nice To Haves

• B.S in Food Science/Sensory Science, Psychology or related field; M.S. preferred in Food Science with a concentration in Sensory & Consumer Science
• Minimum 2-3 years relevant experience
• Strong foundation in statistical design and analysis, with demonstrated ability to apply statistical approaches to sensory & consumer research and interpret data using tools such as Excel and XLSTAT.
• Ability to translate sensory & consumer insights into clear recommendations that influence decision makers on assortments, product/ package development, claims, and pricing.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn advanced research methodologies, including MaxDiff, TURF, and conjoint/choice modeling.
• Experience with sensory software Compusense, FIZZ, SIMS, RedJade, or Eye Question.
• High degree of initiative, learning on the fly, attention to detail; influencing cross-functional partners, and works with a sense of urgency.
• Strong critical thinking & problem-solving skills and the ability to accurately record, organize & analyze data.
• Ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to build relationships and strategic partnerships amongst cross-functional partners and the broader organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct product sensory and consumer tests for Food & Beverage categories (new products, renovations, co-creation, post-launch)
• Utilize a variety of testing methods to meet project objectives/goals in the development process
• Build strategic partnerships with cross-functional partners & stakeholders
• Develop strong and strategic cross-functional partnerships across various departments, such as Merchandising, Product Development/Design, Packaging, Sourcing, Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Brand & Portfolio Management, Enterprise Insights, and other areas of the business
• Leverage internal and external partnerships to support sensory and consumer research
• Conduct sensory and consumer research, utilizing a variety of testing techniques
• Work with cross-functional teams on research needs, and execute, analyze & interpret sensory & consumer data to deliver insights to meet business needs

Benefits

• comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more
• 401(k)
• employee discount
• short term disability
• long term disability
• paid sick leave
• paid national holidays
• paid vacation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees