JOB PURPOSE    

Leads the implementation of qualitative and quantitative consumer and product testing, as well as leads and conducts claims testing to effectively support the new product development process from idea stage and early product development on through to the on sale date.  Serves as a strategic, technical project leader and an in-house expert on consumer behavior, product design, and difficult technical questions.  Solves complex product problems through understanding objectives, planning and developing research plans requiring advanced and diverse levels of knowledge and experience in qualitative and quantitative methods, and appropriate application of statistical methods.  Investigates and applies novel or state-of-the-art methodologies and technologies to the solution of technical problems that directly impact long-term divisional and Company goals and objectives.  May manage the development and maintenance of the descriptive panel program.  Proven experience in supervising or overseeing the work of lower level Scientists.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES     


1. Provides complete consumer, product, and claims research and evaluation support to assigned product categories.  Leads more strategic, complex research.  Ensures that previous consumer and product knowledge is integrated and synthesized into current projects in order to leverage insights.  Responsible for developing and executing comprehensive research plans in support of all new and established products.  Interprets valid and reliable data to clearly communicate results and insights in succinct top line reports and presentations.  Demonstrates credible business sense by developing new consumer, product, claim insights, and leveraging them to improve business decisions and knowledge base for future strategic planning.  30%

2. Knowledgeable in a wide range of front end, consumer, sensory, and market research techniques and methodologies applicable to ensuring that consumers are tapped in early in the research process to better understand consumer behavior and unmet needs, product design, and solving complex problems.  Investigates and applies novel or state-of-the-art technologies, research tools, methods, statistical analyses, and processes and provides leadership in bringing this new knowledge to the department and business.  Capitalize on leading-edge and emerging measurement tools and statistical applications to reduce development time and costs while simultaneously improving success rate. Interacts with and develops business relationships with external consultants/moderators and testing vendors who can partner in test design, analyses, and execution critical for solving complex consumer/product problems while adhering to department budget.  Understands the basic protocols for dealing with suppliers and contract manufacturers, applying discretion and diplomacy especially when complex issues may involve conflicting viewpoints. 25%

3. Work is performed without appreciable direction, and project responsibilities are completed either independently or in cooperative partnership with cross-functional project team members, including Product Development, Brand, SCR, Product Safety, Regulatory, and Consumer Insights.   Maintains an awareness of project plan timelines, production timelines, and back-order potential.  Communicates individual plans, results, and issues promptly to maximize team success.  Interacts with management on significant technical matters often requiring the coordination of activities across organizational lines. 25%

4. Manages and/or mentors professional staff members and the Descriptive Panel program (if applicable).  Provides guidance for influencing and writing appropriate study objectives, executing appropriate tests for those objectives, setting project and team priorities, and ensuring the appropriate levels of competence and support are applied to projects and objectives.  Serves as a technical project leader and in-house expert on difficult technical questions, providing guidance for other staff members.  20%

In addition to the above, incumbent is expected to meet the required competencies for this position as defined in the competency profile.