Marico Limited Looking for Consumer Technical Insights Manager – Hair & Personal Care at Mumbai Full Time

Purpose of the Role:CTI function is a critical link between a consumer & product experience; thus, contributes by way of designing product features basis consumer need gaps thus enhancing product success in market.Qualification & Experience:B. E / B.TechPG in Science [Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Cognitive Psychology / Social Science / Food Technology/ Statistics] ORPost graduate Management: MBA or Diploma from reputed Management InstituteProven experience in consumer & sensory science areas8-9 years work experience in handling consumers interfaceShould have interacted with R&D extensively on products, sensory work/ panels in FMCG Foods industrySensory Panel, Software like Compusense, EyecatchWorking knowledge of QUANTITATIVE consumer study and be able to read understand quant reports of product testingKey Deliverables of the Role:CTI is an integral part of the R&D function and is instrumental in bringing the consumer insight early on in the developmental stage of the product. The role requires to manage CTI & advance appraisal activities.Lead consumer work stream within innovation project teams. Conduct consumer DIs, FGDs as required in a project on daily basisLead study design, brainstorming session or any practical activities according to project needsIndependently managing CTI activity planning for consumer research, conduct & support for qualitative product research, risk management, ensuring compliance with ethics and legalTranslate product properties & performance into consumer actionable insights.Proficiency in use of data mining, global trends brainstorming, third party briefing as a mean to drive ambitious communications.Optimise CTI methodology [quali, quant & sensory] using internal, external inputs, and support interpretation & explanation of results into product optimisationUnderstand consumer habits & needs as required by project team while articulating needs of businesses.Creative in respect to developing new ideas which can help create new claims and demosIdea generation & development of consumer relevant and engaging demos across brands to maximise technologyOrganise workshops to educate & excite stakeholders on CTI scienceManage logistics issues simultaneously deal with functional teams, 3rd party, market research agency and coordinate with R&D teams to have product samples in time to initiate projects as per timelines to ensure budgets are maintained throughout the yearTo have rite ability to run evaluation, appraisal capabilities, manage logistics, interact with salon experts, train them regularly, recruit consumers for sensory & consumerAbility to assess the concerns that need immediate escalation to line managerAssimilate the regional requirements for the product/ innovationDevelop/ have good understanding of consumer habits and attitudes and need gaps and is able to translate the same into technical requirements for projectExcellent presentation skills. Strong data analysis skill. Analyse data, interpret and timely report generationDebrief & discuss next stepsHave understanding of business finances, NPDs at working levelWork with other RTCs provide support LATERAL CONTACTSTo set, manage & communicate work plan for the functionReview reports in the teamBe responsible for deigning sharp methodologies to gain relevant insightsTo co-ordinate consumer study plans with relevant teamsCo-ordinate & plan CTI activities for various groups in Technology & brandWillingness to travel [India & off shore]Knowledge, Skills & Competencies­:Intellectually curious individual passionate about uncovering human needs & desiresDiscover story in all the noise & identify what really matters to the consumersCombine soft skills and analytical skillsConsumer interaction skills & skilled communicatorUse creative mind to convey research findings to drive actions with your key business partnersProblem solving – identify & respond to a problem in creative and practical mannerBeing able to co-relate technical & consumer data responseKnowledge of basic principles in chemistry/ life sciences/ psychologyAbility to lead projects in area of consumer & sensory studiesAbility to drive cross functional interactionsData interpretationCo-ordination & planningMultitasking. Complex, problem solving Great communicator CollaboratorSensitive to business environment aroundGrowth mindsetCreativeDetailed organiserSelf directedNaturally curiousWill join a team of best and brightest who are working together to build a company and brandLearning agilityMature, Ambitious, Can do attitutedMotivatingReporting Relationships:Upwards – Head-Consumer Technical Insight & DesignDownwards – 1-2 reporteesOther Functional Interfaces:Product Dev. TeamCMI / Consumer Insights team on marketing sidePackaging & DesignBrand teamsMR, agencies, consumer recruitment agencies out of Marico LimitedSensory CommunityGrowth Path & Future:Opportunity to be a starting point of a NPD/ technologyOpportunity to develop new designs & methodologiesOpportunity to lead teamRole enrichment by way of additional categories & markets in India & overseas