Sensory Research Analyst

Job Summary: As a Customer Insights (CI) Sensory Research Analyst, you'll support sensory & consumer research across all product categories at H-E-B to guide development and maintenance of H-E-B branded items.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Reports to Manager of Sensory Research
• Collaborates and builds relationships within and across the company
• Learns from senior analysts and apply sensory & consumer research methodologies across all categories of products in the H-E-B portfolio
• Assists analysts in conducting sensory evaluations and tests on various consumer products to assess appearance, aroma, taste, flavor, texture, and overall sensory experience
• Collaborates with data collection, sensory, and product development teams to coordinate schedules and manage the logistics of samples and supplies for sensory testing
• Assists analysts in designing and executing both qualitative and quantitative sensory studies, ensuring methodologies align with industry standards and company objectives
• Assists analysts in writing sensory questionnaires in Compusense with appropriate and well-written questions that are best suited to each individual sensory test
• Assists analysts in analyzing and interpreting sensory data, writing reports, and providing actionable recommendations to enhance produce development and meet consumer expectations
• Maintains accurate records of all sensory testing, and updates information into project database

The responsibilities and essential functions outlined above describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time based on business needs. Employees may be required to perform other job-related tasks as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodations.

Qualifications & Key Requirements:

Work Experience:

• No previous relevant work experience required - Required

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Understanding of sensory testing methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, hedonic and discrimination testing - Required
• Understanding of univariate statistical methods (t-test, ANOVA) and basic statistical concepts (Type I / II errors, alpha & beta levels, confidence intervals) as they apply to sensory testing - Required
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite - Required
• Ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously - Required
• A discerning palate with the ability to effectively communicate sensory attributes - Required

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree BS or MS in Food Science, Sensory Science, or related field - Required

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• Function in a fast-paced, retail, office environment
• Travel by car or plane with overnight stays
• Regularly lift 20 lbs or more
• Hand / finger dexterity
• Use arms / hands in repetitive motion during the day

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Partner encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.