Research Director (Sensory and Product Research)-Old Bridge, NJ
At Curion, we are embarking on a period of great transition and growth driven by increased efficiency and productivity. Within the Client Services department, the Research Director (RD) works collaboratively with the Client Services Director (CSD) and Project Manager (PM) to coordinate sensory and consumer product and package research projects to ensure successful implementation and deliverables that meet industry and company standards.
Primary Responsibilities
Key responsibilities are to collaborate with the CSD, PM, and client to design appropriate research studies based on background and key objectives, oversee execution, and provide support as needed to the CSD and PM.
- Support CSD on project scoping and provide input on methodologies and value-add.
- Support PM development of screeners and questionnaires to ensure appropriate questions are included to answer key research objectives.
- Consult with clients throughout study development and execution.
- Develop Tab & Banner plans to address research objectives.
- Manage development of final deliverables with data services.
- Work collaboratively with CSD on final project deliverables.
- Analyze and interpret data to develop final report deliverables.
- Present data deliverables to clients as needed.
Other Responsibilities
- Support CSD coverage as needed.
- Arranging client visits and accompanying hospitability, ensuring that Curion is represented with the utmost professionalism and commitment to quality.
- Observation of national/international study execution as needed.
- Assisting on departmental special projects as requested.
- Supporting all other departmental functions on an as-needed basis.
- Moderate QDA panels as needed.
Primary Accountabilities
- Managing and overseeing project managers as they perform day-to-day operational aspects of a project.
- Responsible for controllable on time, error free and on budget project fulfillment
- Work with CSD to ensure successful creation and delivery of final deliverables.
- QC of all internal project execution processes and client’s deliverables
Qualifications and Experience
- 5 years’ experience in a sensory or consumer product research role on either client or supplier side, CPG/Personal Care experience is a plus.
- Moderating/Descriptive Analysis panel leading a plus.
- Quality-focused with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
- Ability to understand, analyze, interpret complicated qual and quant data - write and present results in a clear and concise manner.
- Understanding and familiarity with sensory descriptive analysis data a plus
- Ability to use statistical analysis for results interpretation.
- Ability to multi-task while maintaining professional demeanor.
- Adept at using technological resources including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
- Experience with project management platform, survey software, video reel creation, and AI tools a plus.
- Aptitude for learning innovative technologies and proprietary tools.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.
- Ability to coordinate, influence and work well with internal support groups
Education
- BA/BS in Social Sciences, Business, Market Research, Management Science, Food Sciences, Sensory Sciences, Mathematics, or Statistics
- Master’s or PhD degree a plus
Other Requirements
Travel to various national/international locations (15% max)
Curion is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status.
About the company
Curion specializes in delivering impactful insights to the world's top CPG companies, helping them develop winning, repeatedly purchased products. Curion’s deep data-driven product insights, sensory expertise, and state-of-the-art consumer centers enable them to uncover responses to critical client objectives. With over five decades of experience in the product testing industry, Curion is dedicated to guiding clients with their proprietary Product Experience and Performance (PXP™) platform, connecting brands to consumers at every step. As an innovator in the industry, Curion recently developed a groundbreaking benchmarking product testing method, the Curion Score™, which has become a trusted and sought after tool within the industry. As one of the largest product and consumer insights companies in the U.S., Curion has built a reputation for excellence and trust among the world's leading consumer brands. Curion’s commitment to innovation and expertise, coupled with a passion for delivering actionable insights, makes Curion a valuable partner for companies looking to develop and launch successful products.