Sensory Scientist II

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for a Sensory Scientist II in Southampton

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?

• This role is responsible for leading the Sensory capability within new categories and FMC.

• Uphold Panel Maintenance activities related to sensorial panels, ensuring they are operating at a high level and fully adhering to all internal processes required.

• The role involves leading, planning, and directing sensory activities required for the execution of Product Development and/or Innovations Projects.

• This role is responsible to ensure the quality of sensory response data and its interpretation in the context of project objectives.

• Ensure that sensory best practises are implemented, maintained, and globally aligned.

• Provide guidance and consultancy to the technical community to establish and embed robust ways of working.

• Issue recommendations to collaborators based on aggregation and interpretation of sensory data and in-depth understanding of project objectives through close collaboration with Project Teams.

• Inspire change management and understanding of sensory within the sphere of influence.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Maintain expert knowledge in sensory evaluation, panel maintenance, and sensory guidelines across all product categories.

• Ensure the quality, robustness, and consistency of sensory methodologies, results, and panel performance.

• AcAct as the primary sensory contact for panels, category leads, and collaborators, providing technical mentorship and consultancy. Liver actionable recommendations based on sensory data analysis and close collaboration with project teams to support business objectives.

• Lead and manage day-to-day sensory operations, ensuring delivery against agreed priorities and alignment with the PR, S&PCI strategy.

• Drive continuous improvement across sensory methodologies, digital tools, facilities, and ways of working, promoting innovative solutions within the function.

• Apply project management and data-driven approaches to generate actionable sensory insights while supporting workload prioritisation and agile delivery.

• Develop and complete strategic plans, manage budgets and resource utilisation, and continuously improve team capabilities through collaboration, training, and external best-practice adoption.

What are we looking for?

• Degree-qualified in a scientific field. Proven experience in a product-related role or sensory science within food, flavour, or related industries. Supported by a solid understanding of product development.

• Strong sensory science expertise, including sensory methodologies, claim substantiation, regulatory testing, and the use of sensory data collection systems such as Compusense, Fizz, or similar platforms.

• Deep knowledge of sensory science and various approaches for descriptive (DQA, Spectrum), discriminative testing (DUO-Trio, Triangle, Tetrad), temporal (TDS, DTI), Ranking and CATA for product characterization.

  • Understanding the stats behind these tests, their application, and limitations

• Proficiency in sensory data analysis software (XLSTAT, R)

  • ANOVA
  • Significance test (Tukey, Fisher)
  • Correlation tests
  • PCA (Principal Component Analysis)
  • MFA (Multi Factor Analysis)

• Demonstrated expertise in sensory panel management, including panel recruitment, training, validation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement.

• Ability to analyse and communicate sensory results effectively, translating complex findings into clear, client-focused insights and recommendations.

• Good understanding of product composition, manufacture, design, and evaluation, with awareness of consumer, commercial, and regulatory requirements.

• Excellent customer management and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams, build strong internal and external relationships, and demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a continuous improvement mentality.

Beneficial

• Consumer understanding and Sensory networks

• Experience in Digital and Data Science (Multivariate analysis, Programming in R Statistics).

• Project Management Experience.

Qualifying questions for applicants

• Are you familiar with creating and maintaining sensory panels?

• Do you understand sensory methodologies?

• Can you interpret panel data and draw conclusions for product optimisation?

• Are you able to communicate complex technical data to senior audiences and to non-technical communities?

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)

• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives

• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.

• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills

• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

• Benefits:

  • Meal Voucher/ Canteen as per location
  • Private Pension
  • Life & Health Insurance
  • Yearly bonus based on the ABS
  • Family support policy
  • Office perks
  • Flexible policy as per agreed Second Level agreement.

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here (opens in new window).

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.

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