R&DConsumerExperienceSpecialist

Location: Wageningen, Netherlands  Hybrid   About the position We are strengthening our consumer insight expertise to ensure our innovations truly meet consumer needs. As an R&D Consumer Experience Specialist, you will play a key role in delivering relevant and actionable insights that drive innovation and product success across our global portfolio. You will design consumer learning plans, lead complex sensory and consumer research programmes across multiple categories, independently designing and delivering studies that inform product development, renovation, and portfolio decisions. By combining methodological expertise, advanced analytics, and consumer understanding, you will translate data into clear recommendations that shape innovation strategies and business decisions. This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical expertise, critical thinking, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams across R&D, Marketing, Innovation, and external partners. You will also support the development of consumer insight capabilities, working alongside external partners. You will: Act as the consumer science ambassador, embedding the consumer voice throughout the product lifecycle and influencing category and product strategy. Design and lead consumer and sensory research programmes, applying the most appropriate qualitative and quantitative methodologies to answer business and R&D questions. Lead sensory and consumer testing to evaluate product concepts, prototypes, packaging and competitor products. Integrate consumer, sensory, culinary, and competitive insights into clear, actionable recommendations that drive product improvement and strengthen competitive positioning. Apply advanced analytical techniques to understand consumer drivers and identify opportunities for product optimisation. Translate complex findings into compelling stories and business recommendations for senior stakeholders. Partner with external agencies and research providers to ensure high-qual