Sensory Manager

Sensory Manager
24-month FTC
Ashby-de-la-Zouch (Home of Hula Hoops, popchips, Nik Naks, and more…)
Join our snack-loving team
We’re looking for a Sensory Manager to join us at KP Snacks. If you’re ready to bring your ideas to the table, grow your skills and be part of a team that values what makes you, you – this could be your next big move.
Who are we?
We’re KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack family. Across more than 30 countries, over 15,000 of us work together to make the snacks people love – from Hula Hoops to McCoy’s. In the UK, we’re a team of around 2,400 colleagues, based across seven sites and our Slough HQ. We’re proud of our close-knit culture, where we speak up, celebrate differences and push boundaries together.
About the role
This is a highly influential role, leading a team of specialist sensory colleagues and expert tasters while providing sensory expertise to Research & Development, Marketing, Research & Insights, Operations and Commercial teams. You will ensure robust sensory testing and analysis supports key business decisions across innovation, product improvement, cost optimisation and quality.
As our sensory expert, you will use a range of sensory methodologies and statistical techniques to deliver meaningful insights, helping us develop brilliant products that delight consumers. You will also champion best practice in sensory evaluation, build strong relationships across our sites and identify opportunities to continuously improve our sensory capability.
If you're passionate about food, sensory science and leading high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.
What’s in it for you?
We believe in rewarding our colleagues and helping them thrive. Here’s a flavour of what we offer:
Competitive annual salary, annual salary review and annual bonus opportunity (target 7.5%), plus KP Pension Plan with up to 7% matched contributions and £6,000 car allowance
25 days holiday, with the option to buy up to five additional days, plus additional holiday after five years’ service
Comprehensive healthcare including Single Cover Private Healthcare, Health Cash Plan, Digital GP and Employee Assistance Programme
Electric Vehicle Car Scheme, supporting more sustainable and cost-effective travel
KP4ME benefits platform with discounts, cashback and wellbeing support
Enhanced family-friendly policies to support colleagues at every stage of life
What will you be doing?
Leading sensory capability across KP Snacks and Intersnack
Managing the delivery of sensory programmes and ensuring resources are effectively deployed to support innovation, product improvement, cost reduction and business growth activities
Providing expert sensory insights and recommendations
Designing and delivering sensory studies, analysing complex data using appropriate statistical techniques and translating findings into clear recommendations that support business decision making
Leading and developing a high-performing sensory team
Recruiting, training, coaching and motivating sensory panellists and colleagues, managing performance and ensuring the highest standards of sensory evaluation and testing are maintained
Driving sensory excellence and capability building
Promoting best practice across the business, designing and delivering sensory training, introducing new methodologies and supporting colleagues to make informed product development decisions
Building strong stakeholder relationships
Partnering with colleagues across Research & Development, Research & Insights, Operations, Marketing and Commercial teams, as well as external partners and Intersnack colleagues, to deliver impactful sensory programmes

Work arrangement
No