This role will be instrumental in shaping the future of skincare, driving sensory excellence across a diverse range of products：

1. Project Management & Innovation Insight Generation

•    Lead and manage sensory projects for a broad spectrum of skincare categories.

•    Engage deeply into key projects/needs, work with métier and category leaders to ensure relevancy of tests, clarify background and objectives from test requests

•    Design, execute, and analyze sensory studies to generate actionable insights that drive innovation and product development

•    Communicate sensory findings effectively to diverse audiences, from technical experts to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring understanding and alignment on decisions.

2. Sensory Panel Management & Digital Transformation

•    Lead and optimize the management of two sensory panels, ensuring the highest standards of quality, training, and performance. 

•    Train and supervise panel leader assistant to deliver data timely with high quality. Own panel leader assistant engagement and development.  

•    Drive efficiency and enhance the capabilities of our sensory panel evaluation processes by championing the integration of digital tools, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence.

•    Develop and implement strategies to continuously improve panel methodologies, data collection, and analysis, setting new benchmarks for sensory excellence.

 3. Sensory Expertise & Product Innovation Driver

•    Act as a primary sensory expert, proactively providing deep technical knowledge and strategic guidance throughout the product lifecycle, from ideation to launch.

•    Sound knowledge of both sensory and consumer testing techniques. Collaborate closely with the Consumer Insights team to integrate qualitative and quantitative consumer understanding, ensuring sensory innovation is directly aligned with unmet consumer needs and market opportunities.

•    Contribute significantly to the development of novel textures and sensorial experiences that captivate consumers and differentiate L'Oréal products in the market.

4. Sensory Methodology Innovation & Development 

•    Serve as a technical leadership role model for sensory science, stay abreast of the latest advancements in sensory science methodologies.

•    lead initiatives for the validation and implementation of innovative sensory tools and protocols, enhancing our predictive capabilities and meet fast product innovation requirement.

•    Drive sensory communication internally and externally to boost the team’s reputation, credibility and legitimacy.

•    Share know-how and expertise and foster a culture of continuous learning and scientific rigor.

Requirements:

•    Master’s degree or above, advanced degree is preferred(Sensory, Behavioural Psychology, Applied statistics)

•    Minimum 8 years relevant experience (negotiable depends on candidate quality and degree)

•    Experience of sensory methodologies and statistical analysis 

•    Preferably with international company experience in FMCG or agency or cosmetic or product testing 

•    Knowledge of cosmetics industry is a plus 

•    Fluent English and Chinese

•     Technical Skills:

•       Demonstrated experience with sensory panel management, including recruitment, training, and performance monitoring.

•       Proficiency in statistical software for sensory data analysis (e.g., ANOVA, Fizz, R, SPSS et.al).

•       Strong understanding of psychophysics and consumer behaviour principles.

•       Familiarity with digital tools and AI applications in sensory science is a plus.

•       Key competencies 

•       Leadership: Ability to think strategically with growth mindset, innovate, and drive change within a dynamic R&I environment

•       Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying sensory challenges and developing effective testing strategies to address them.

•       Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

•       Attention to Detail: Meticulous in test design, data collection, and analysis to ensure accuracy and reliability.

•       Innovation & Curiosity: Strong desire to explore new methodologies and approaches in sensory science to drive continuous improvement.

•       Collaboration & good Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to build strong working relationships, influence stakeholders.

•       Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate complex sensory concepts and findings to both technical and non-technical audiences