Associate Research Director- Sensory and Consumer Science

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Eurofins SAM is seeking an Associate Research Director to oversee several FMCG accounts and a team of Research Managers, delivering high quality sensory and consumer research across complex regional and global projects; you will report to a Research Director, drive client retention and growth, lead proposals and tenders, ensure timely delivery, coach 2-3 managers, and align projects with client goals and business priorities. The ideal candidate has at least 3 years in consumer or sensory research, hands-on FMCG testing experience with HUTs, CLTs, IDIs, strong quantitative methods plus working knowledge of qualitative when needed, excellent English communication, and proven leadership. To apply, tailor your CV and cover letter to showcase revenue impact, leadership, and a track record of delivering strategic, story-led insights; highlight your willingness to work onsite in Reading, and provide concrete examples of managing multiple projects and mentoring teams.

Company Description

Who we are

We are the leading international sensory and consumer research company specializing in food, beverages, cosmetics, personal care, and other consumer products.  We have 19 proprietary state-of-the-art facilities across France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, United Kingdom, Morocco, China and the USA, and cover more than 65 countries through our network of approved partners.

SAM provides tailor-made solutions, delivering actionable guidelines to make our clients’ brands and products memorable.

SAM is a great place to work.

Join SAM to work with the most competent, creative, and fun team in the industry and let your work, opinions and ideas contribute to the future of sensory and consumer research.

Become your most extraordinary self with support and development throughout your career.

Best in class

Join our very diverse team of sensory scientists, food technologists, statisticians, psychologists, sociologists, strategic thinkers, marketeers, field managers, technicians and other sensory and research experienced colleagues.

We're proud to be part of the Eurofins Group

World-leader in Testing for Life. With about 61 000 employees, Eurofins is a global leader in testing services and over the last 20 years has been one of the fastest growing companies in the world, thanks to its innovation in technology and service.

Job Description

Your responsibilities:

Reporting to a Research Director, an Associate Research Director oversees various accounts and multiple projects and brings technical expertise to the research team, while developing a team of Research Managers. 

Account:

• Responsible for 3-4 FMCG product testing Accounts: client retention, client delight and Account growth
• Ensure revenue targets for assigned accounts are achieved
• Develop proactive plans to address risks and capitalize on opportunities within accounts
• Oversee timely, accurate, and high‑quality project delivery for Account team

Projects:

• Lead the development and delivery of complex proposals and tenders
• Bring technical expertise and ensure the use of best‑practice methodologies
• Deliver complex regional and global projects: play active role in project management, reporting and holistic delivery of projects
• Provide strategic, story-led recommendations based on client feedback, market trends, and project performance
• Ensure project execution aligns with client objectives and broader business priorities

Team

• Line manage 2-3 Research Managers
• Manage workload allocation and resource planning for the team
• Ensure Research Managers receive appropriate coaching and training
• Mentor team members in research skills, leadership, and career development
• Ensure outputs from team members meet the expected standards of quality and insight

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in consumer research and/or sensory research 
• FMCG product testing experience: practical experience of core product testing methodologies: i.e. HUTs, CLTs, IDIs
• Significant experience in quantitative consumer research methodologies
• Minimum foundational understanding of qual research: when to recommend qual/bring in qual experts from within SAM
• Significant experience in a Research manager role
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English 
• Proficiency in MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc 
• Strong leadership abilities to manage teams and oversee large-scale research initiatives 
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills 
• Rigorous, responsive and proactive