Sr Sensory Insight & Innov Mgr - 203662

E. & J. Gallo Winery • Modesto, CA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

We’re seeking a collaborative, curious leader to direct sensory consumer research and product innovation that shapes wines, spirits, malt-based beverages, and related packaging concepts. As the Sr Sensory Insight & Innovation Manager, you will design and execute complex sensory and consumer research across domestic and global markets, translate complex data into clear recommendations, and tell compelling stories that drive product strategy and commercial decisions. Your work will partner closely with Wine and Beverage Making, New Product Development, Knowledge Activation and Commercial Innovation Insights, Wine and Spirits Research, and Business units to align study design, timelines, and resources with enterprise priorities. You’ll lead cross-functional programs—choosing experimental designs and sensory research methodologies, managing agency partners local and abroad, and collaborating with statisticians and data scientists to build scalable models and predictive tools. You will evaluate emerging AI and automation for sensory research, safeguard data integrity, set benchmarks, standard processes, and best practices that raise functional standards. Financial and business acumen will guide your recommendations, ensuring consumer-driven choices are commercially sound. As a SR. Sensory Insight & Innovation Manager, you’ll develop and grow talent, lead executive conversations, and serve as the voice of the consumer to influence innovation, marketing, and portfolio strategy. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging—seeking diverse perspectives that accelerate impact. If you are a strategic sensory scientist with strong storytelling skills, a bias for collaboration, and a passion for turning consumer insight into business results, we’d love to hear from you.

Requirements

• Master of Science degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Sensory Science, Nutrition Science, Behavioral Science, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics plus 8 years of sensory and product research and development experience reflecting increasing levels of responsibility OR Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Sensory Science, Nutrition Science, Behavioral Science, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics plus 10 years of sensory or product research experience reflecting increasing levels of responsibility.
• Strong sensory and consumer research fundamentals with demonstrated expertise and experience leading sensory insight projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge and sensory knowledge of wine, spirits, malt, RTD, and non-alcohol beverages.
• Required to be 21 years of age or older.
• Experience taking complex data and analytics, distilling the key insights, and presenting them in a clear, engaging way using data storytelling—making the information understandable and actionable for any audience.
• Proficient reading, analyzing, and interpreting scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to anticipate business needs and evaluate risk/reward trade-offs with data and judgment.
• Domestic and international business travel as required to complete job duties.
• Demonstrated organization and project management skills with ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.
• Proficient in the use of MS Excel, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint.
• Experience using statistical analysis software (SAS, SPSS, R), data analytics, and AI tools to analyze and interpret sensory research data.
• Capable of effectively presenting information to senior leadership, public groups, and Board of Directors.
• Required to lift and move boxes of product weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to see, smell, and taste products as part of job duties.
• Required to travel to company offices, sites, and/or meeting locations for onboarding, training, meetings, and events for development, department needs, and business delivery up to 5% of the time, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Required to be 18 years or older.

Benefits

• We are committed to providing competitive compensation, perks, and a culture that supports your well-being.
• Benefits depend on your work category and may include medical and dental coverage, 401k plans, profit sharing, pet insurance, company holidays, access to an employee wine shop, and more!
• Additional information will be provided before your first interview.

What This Job Offers

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