Consumer Sensory Product Researcher

The mission of Altria Group, Inc. is to own and develop financially disciplined businesses that are leaders in responsibly providing adult tobacco and wine consumers with superior branded products. Altria Group is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, the largest cigarette manufacturer in the United States, as well as U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, John Middleton, and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates -that offer leading brands in the moist smokeless tobacco and machine-made cigar, and wine categories. Altria Client Services' role is to provide high quality services to the Altria family of companies. We are currently seeking a highly qualified Consumer Sensory Product Researcher to join our Market Information and Consumer Research department in Richmond, VA. Market Information and Consumer Research provides high quality market research to the Altria family of companies and the selected candidate will play a key role in managing, designing and executing product research studies designed to produce actionable consumer insights supporting product innovation. Specific accountabilities include: Managing research projects through definition of internal research needs, supplier and methodology selection, discussion guide/survey development and supplier deliverables. Conducting consumer sensory product research to drive innovation in new white space areas for Altria. Coordinating research logistics, which may include materials, products/samples for assigned projects in addition to the data collection process. Sharing key learning from research studies conducted and supporting interpretation of data. Making recommendations to product innovation team and product development team based on research findings. Consulting with internal clients and colleagues to understand consumer knowledge needs and developing research plans to meet these needs. Exploring usage occasions, behaviors, product and sensory preferences to drive the exploration and development of new innovative products.Qualifications include: B.A. in Food Science or relevant social science field. Advanced degree highly desirable. A minimum of 5 years professional experience in behavioral science or food science for new product development In-depth knowledge of product concept and scoping research, preferably in a consumer goods company. Excellent understanding of consumer research, including survey design, methodology strengths and limitations, and how to best address business questions. Experience with qualitative, in-context methodologies desirable. Experience in utilizing cutting edge methodologies for new product development. Strong analytic and critical thinking skills Ability to analyze and synthesize data, and develop meaningful conclusions and insights Capacity to work with both departmental and cross-functional teams efficiently. Exceptional written, oral, and presentation skills. At Altria Client Services, we recognize that our people are the reason we achieve our business goals. We believe in developing the leadership potential of our employees by providing them with opportunities for training, development and advancement. In addition to the opportunity to apply and develop your consumer insight skills toward key business objectives, we offer an excellent compensation package including a competitive base salary, comprehensive health/vision/dental insurance, participation in our incentive compensation and deferred profit sharing programs as well as a relocation assistance package.Altria Client Services Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national