Sensory Scientist - 6M FTC

Who We Are

We are Suntory, a global leader in the beverage industry with a heritage that dates back to 1899 in Osaka, Japan. Today, we operate across more than 265 group companies worldwide, employing over 40,000 people. Our portfolio spans soft drinks, spirits, beer, wine, ready-to-drink beverages, and wellness products, combining tradition with innovation to deliver exceptional quality.

We are driven by our philosophy, “Bringing Water to Life,” which reflects our deep respect for nature and our commitment to sustainability. We strive to enrich lives and create harmony with people and nature through everything we do.

As one of the world’s leading beverage companies and the third-largest distilled spirits company globally, we continue to grow while staying true to our values of quality, craftsmanship, and responsibility to society.

About your role

As a Sensory Scientist within SBFE R&D, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the sensory experience of beverages enjoyed across Europe. This position sits at the intersection of science and creativity, where your expertise will help ensure that every product meets the highest standards of quality, consistency, and consumer delight. You’ll be part of a passionate team committed to innovation and excellence, contributing to the development of drinks that resonate with people’s tastes and preferences.

This role is a 6 month contract. 

What You'll Do

In this role, you’ll lead sensory evaluations for product shelf-life and stability, applying robust methodologies to generate validated insights. You’ll design and execute sensory and consumer tests, from difference testing and profiling to rapid techniques and preference mapping. Your work will support new product development, guiding liquid design and interpreting consumer feedback to inform strategic decisions. You’ll manage internal and external sensory panels, overseeing recruitment, training, and performance monitoring. Collaboration will be key, as you’ll engage with cross-functional teams and represent SBFE in external scientific communities, helping to elevate the role of sensory science across the business.

What's in it for you

What makes this opportunity truly exciting is the chance to influence the sensory direction of iconic brands. You’ll gain exposure to advanced tools and techniques, work alongside diverse teams, and contribute to projects that have real impact in the market. The role offers a blend of autonomy and collaboration, with room to grow as a thought leader in sensory science both within Suntory and beyond. It’s a space where scientific rigor meets creative exploration, and where your insights will help shape the future of beverage innovation.

What You need to be successful

To thrive in this role, you’ll need a strong foundation in sensory or food science, ideally with a degree or master’s qualification. Experience managing sensory projects in FMCG, flavor, or research environments is essential, along with excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships across a matrix organization. Familiarity with tools like Fizz, XLSTAT, and LIMS systems will be valuable, and fluency in English is required—additional languages such as French or Spanish would be a plus. Above all, you’ll bring a rigorous, responsible, and autonomous mindset, paired with a genuine passion for crafting exceptional sensory experiences.

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.