Analyst, Sensory & Consumer Insights

Analyst, Sensory & Consumer Insights

Position Overview

The Analyst, Sensory & Consumer Insights will support Panera’s innovation pipeline and sensory testing programs by helping evaluate product performance, identify and size opportunities, and inform product development and optimization . This role will partner with cross-functional teams to execute research, translate findings into clear insights, and deliver actionable recommendations that support business decisions. Strong analytical, communication , and collaboration skills are critical to success in this position .

Scope of Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to:

Support sensory and concept testing for Panera Bread:

• Partner with cross-functional teams to plan, manage, and execute sensory and product testing for recipes, ingredients, and future innovation
• Design and program customer surveys that align with research objectives and deliver clear, actionable feedback
• Manage the front-of-house sensory testing experience, including participant welcome and sign-in, survey troubleshooting, and food service coordination
• Maintain sensory testing equipment, materials, documentation, and testing protocols
• Analyze and present sensory and consumer research results to internal stakeholders, vendors, and suppliers
• Maintain a historical database and benchmarking system of sensory test results to inform future decisions
• Conduct focus groups or moderated feedback sessions with sensory participants, as needed
• Develop recommendations to improve sensory testing, product performance, and guest experience
• Analyze and report findings from concept tests (Datassential) and related consumer research studies
• Support other sensory-related needs as defined by the business

Support broader Research & Insights projects:

• Build strong working relationships with key stakeholders and become a trusted partner for research support and consumer insight
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with trusted research vendors and partners
• Maintain and update the research library to ensure teams have access to relevant, timely analysis and prior learnings

Qualifications (Education & Experience):

Prior Experience

• Two to five years of relevant professional experience required
• Food, beverage, restaurant, sensory testing, or product research experience strongly preferred
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including:
• Product development and innovation research, such as concept screening, sensory testing, or product testing
• Segmentation, market structure, and strategic consumer analyses, including drivers of growth
• Experience supporting or managing market research projects, including survey design, implementation, data analysis, interpretation, and report writing
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, DIY research environment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to synthesize data and present analytical findings in a concise, compelling, and business-relevant way
• Ability to work independently while seeking guidance and alignment from manager as needed
• Strong data analysis skills, with preferred experience in statistical analysis, competitive evaluation, and insight synthesis
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor insights for different audiences

Education

• BA/BS in business, market research, statistics, food science or other related field
• MBA a plus
• Food service industry experience a plus

Working Conditions

• Required travel – up to 15-25%

Competitive Pay $83,686 to $100,423 annually.

The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

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