Principal Sensory Scientist

Rich's, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a renowned family-owned food company with a rich history of innovation and dedication to inspiring possibilities. Established as a leader in the food industry, Rich's offers a diverse portfolio that includes cakes, icings, pizzas, appetizers, and specialty toppings. Their products not only cater to homes but are also widely used in restaurants and bakeries around the globe. With a footprint spanning over 100 locations and employing more than 13,500 associates worldwide, Rich's generates annual sales of approximately $5.9 billion, reflecting its strong influence and leadership in the food sector. The company focuses on delivering creative solutions tailored to help food industry professionals thrive across various segments such as foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods. As a family-oriented company, Rich's places high value on collaboration, community, and fostering a culture that supports innovation and growth. Rich's commitment to employee well-being is evident through its comprehensive benefits and supportive work environment, emphasizing balance and inclusivity.

The Principal Sensory Scientist role at Rich Products Corporation is a pivotal position within its Global Innovation Center of Excellence (COE), housed under the Research, Innovation, and Compliance (RIC) organization. This role is based at their World Headquarters in Buffalo, NY, and involves travel up to 25% annually. The Principal Sensory Scientist acts as a subject matter expert in sensory and consumer science, playing a critical role in driving consumer-centric approaches across cross-functional and cross-regional innovation and renovation projects. This position supports Rich's ambitious 2030 Vision by leveraging advanced scientific expertise to enhance product development impact, efficiency, and agility. The role demands mastery in experimental design, advanced market research, and consumer research frameworks—covering core, adjacent, and transformational innovation opportunities. The Principal Sensory Scientist champions the implementation of global sensory consumer programs across research, development, and manufacturing sites, ensuring consistency and quality. They also play a vital role in mentoring associates, managing sensory panels, and fostering collaboration with departments such as Marketing, Insights, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure market relevance and technical feasibility. This leadership position also involves advancing data strategy, including integrating AI and large language model capabilities for sensory data analysis, and managing relationships with external vendors, suppliers, universities, and regulatory bodies. Compensation for this role ranges from $120,996 to $181,494 annually, reflecting its significance and the expertise required. Overall, the position offers an exciting opportunity for seasoned professionals to contribute strategically to innovation at a globally recognized food company dedicated to excellence and family values.