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%

Additional Description :

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