Senior Sensory Manager, APAC

Role Overview

The Senior Sensory Manager for APAC will collaborate closely with Regional Innovation, Commercial Development, Applications, and Technical Service teams to lead sensory research initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region, advancing customer-focused outcomes. This position utilizes global and regional sensory and consumer research platforms to generate insights around ingredients, products, and consumer preferences to support organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct sensory teams, oversee significant scientific projects, foster professional growth, and uphold testing quality throughout the country cluster.
• Initiate innovative sensory projects and protocols, establish technical and quality benchmarks that stimulate product innovation and deepen comprehension of product attributes; analyze metadata to detect trends, develop predictive models, and create interactive sensory data visualization tools.
• Advise multifunctional teams in Innovation, R&D, Sales, Marketing, and EHS & Quality about sensory quality, performance, and capabilities aligning with company and regional priorities.
• Analyze sensory data, synthesize findings into actionable strategies and recommendations supporting leadership in product differentiation and competitiveness.
• Ensure sensory policies, protocols, regulatory compliance, and quality standards are maintained, implementing corrective and preventive measures as necessary.
• Collaborate with regional senior leadership to embed sensory science within strategic business plans and product development roadmaps.
• Manage the Regional Descriptive Program including daily operations, test scheduling alongside Project Managers and panel leads.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on sensory methodologies, leading research to fulfill project goals for internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify gaps in regional sensory practices and deploy improvements enhancing efficiency, clarity, accuracy, and reproducibility in sensory studies and data analysis.
• Safeguard intellectual property by adhering to knowledge management, IP practices, and information sharing policies.
• Represent Tate & Lyle at scientific conferences and outreach events by presenting research discoveries.
• Communicate research findings clearly and promptly across internal and external audiences, synthesizing multiple data streams into meaningful insights.
• Participate as a member of site management, influencing strategy with focus on employee well-being, equity, diversity & inclusion, as well as environment, health, safety, and quality compliance.
• Engage in scholarly activities such as drafting invention disclosures, patent applications, delivering sensory training, and presenting at scientific events.
• Promote a strong safety culture by collaborating with stakeholders to meet EHS excellence requirements.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive leadership capabilities and proven skills in product development, research design, project management, food science, and technology.
• Analytical, pragmatic thinker able to adapt to dynamic business environments.
• Proficiency with sensory software tools (e.g., Compusense, EyeQuestion, Fizz, Red Jade, Sims) and statistical software (SAS, JMP, XLSTAT), as well as Microsoft Office suite including PowerPoint, Excel, Project, and Word.
• Strong foundation in statistics and data science applied to sensory and consumer datasets.
• Excellent in understanding project goals and tailoring research design to optimize success rates.
• Well-organized with knowledge of project management principles, capable of managing multiple initiatives to timely and budget-compliant completion.
• Self-driven and able to inspire and lead teams effectively.
• Experience with Design Thinking and Agile methodologies is advantageous.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• At least 10 to 15 years of technical services expertise within the Consumer Packaged Goods sector, ideally in Food and Beverage.
• Comprehensive knowledge in a broad range of sensory and consumer research methodologies.
• Experience with Sensory Spectrum methodology and managing descriptive sensory panels.
• Customer-oriented and solution-driven attitude.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of producing concise reports and delivering complex technical content clearly to non-experts.
• Ability to cultivate effective relationships across multicultural and multifunctional teams.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous and fast-paced settings.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken) and at least one local language.
• Experienced in strict laboratory health and safety procedures.

Educational Background

A bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, or related sensory fields such as Statistics, Consumer Science, or Cognitive Behavior is required. A master's degree in Sensory Science is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive high-end insurance coverage.
• Flexible benefits package.
• Access to professional development through LinkedIn Learning.
• Membership in diverse Employee Resource Groups including Professional Women’s Network, LGBTQ+, Black Employee Network, Veterans’, and Mental Health support groups.
• Mental health resources via Mental Health First Aiders and Employee Assistance Programs.
• Participation in local volunteering initiatives.
• Opportunities for business travel.

Location

This full-time, onsite role is based at Tate & Lyle's Singapore office in Biopolis, near Buona Vista MRT station.

Additional Information

Tate & Lyle is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.