Senior Research Director - Sensory and Consumer Experience Melbourne, Aus $AUD 170-180,000 + Super + Bonus - (posted Feb 6 2026)

Company: Resources Group
Advertisers Ref: RH060226
MrWeb Ref: 162717

Job Spec: This is a rare opportunity for a senior sensory leader who wants to build and shape something, not just run it.

You'll step into a leadership role within a high-performing insights and strategy consultancy where sensory is central to the offer - and where there's a genuine appetite to challenge the status quo and rethink how sensory drives commercial decisions.

Their sensory offering has grown year on year - they're some of the best in the business, placing sensory at the start of innovation, not just at the point of validation. The business combines strategy consulting, innovation, sensory research and technology, with clear ambitions to become a Tier 1 insights and innovation partner in Australia.

What they want now is a commercial, client-facing sensory leader who can own senior relationships, grow the Melbourne practice, support the National Practice Lead and help shape the future direction of sensory across the business.


Your Role

• Lead senior client relationships, building trust, credibility and long-term partnerships
• Own and grow key accounts, developing and executing account plans that drive revenue and impact
• Identify and win new sensory opportunities across qualitative, quantitative and consulting work
• Design and oversee best-in-class sensory research, challenging briefs and delivering actionable, commercial outcomes
• Take responsibility for financial performance, including revenue targets and project profitability
• Build, mentor and develop the sensory team as the function continues to grow
• Foster a strong, positive team culture and lift capability across the broader business
• Play an active role at the leadership table, influencing how sensory is positioned and evolved.

Who You Are

• An established sensory research leader with 8-10+ years' experience
• Deep expertise across sensory methodologies (CLT, HETs, qual & quant)
• Commercially minded, with a proven ability to grow accounts and win work
• Confident challenging clients and adding a strategic lens beyond pure delivery
• A strong storyteller, able to translate sensory data into clear, compelling implications
• Curious about food, products and how things are made
• Agency or in-house background considered
• A strong track record in FMCG highly desirable.

What You'll Love

• Entrepreneurial, collaborative and fast-paced culture
• Strong emphasis on innovation, learning, ownership and impact
• Social, fun team environment with long-term career potential
• Hybrid working model (ideally 3 days in-office)
• Up to 24 days annual leave
• Clear, transparent bonus structure.

High-calibre international candidates are welcome - visa support is available.


About Resources Group

We are the Leading Global Talent Agency for Insights, Analytics & Data Strategy. Our consultants take the time to truly understand your career aims and are dedicated to providing tailored, impartial advice to find you the very best career move. We have access to an unrivalled and exclusive range of job opportunities with trailblazing agencies and blue-chips across Australia, NZ and APAC.

Resources Group's Diversity and Equality Policy determines that we submit applicants to our clients on the basis of merit and ability, regardless of race, colour, age, disability, family responsibilities, gender, marital status, nationality, religious or political views or affiliations, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

Who to contact: Please contact Rowan Haylett at Resources Group on 04498 80582 to discuss things further, or email rhaylett@resourcesgroup.com

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