Sensory Scientist- Principal, Data Analyst

About the role

The Principal Sensory Scientist at Sam's Club leads advanced data analytics initiatives to identify root causes of business challenges and develop technology-driven solutions. This role involves defining key metrics, ensuring data quality, and translating complex business requirements into actionable insights. The position requires expertise in data visualization, exploratory analysis, and data strategy to influence decision-making across multiple business domains.

What you'll do

• Lead the design and execution of sensory research programs to support product development, optimization, and innovation
• Design and execute sensory studies leveraging consumer-based methodologies (e.g., IHUTs, CLTs) through a sensory science lens
• Independently manage the full research process: study design, programming, fieldwork execution, analysis, and reporting
• Translate complex sensory data into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Present findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior leadership
• Partner with internal teams to ensure sensory insights drive measurable product and business outcomes

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years leading Sensory in CPG, retail, or ingredient companies
• Expertise in IHUTs and CLTs, with strong analytical skills and ability to independently run and interpret analyses (ANOVA, PCA, PLS, Preference Mapping, Segmentation, Penalty Analysis, Chi-Square)
• Experience using AI to analyze open-ended feedback
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and communicate insights clearly to leadership and non-technical audiences

Additional Skills

• Experience moderating qualitative sensory sessions is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

• Data science, data analysis, statistics, or related field, Master’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field
• Related industry experience (for example, retail, merchandising, healthcare, eCommerce)
• Successful completion of assessments in data analysis and Business Intelligence tools and scripting languages (for example, SQL, Python, Spark, Scala, R, Power BI, or Tableau)

Minimum Qualifications

• Option 1: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Arts, Finance or related field and 4 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field
• Option 2: Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 2 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field
• Option 3: 6 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $90,000.00 - $180,000.00. Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include Regional Pay Zone (RPZ) (based on location).