Together We Innovate. Together We Change.

Join a team at the forefront of shaping the future, where deep consumer understanding fuels breakthrough ideas and new growth opportunities.  We are seeking a Manager, Sensory Product Research who will lead consumer research and insights generation to identify whitespace opportunities and enable the development of innovative nicotine products aligned to Altria’s long-term growth vision.

This role can be located in Richmond, VA or we are open to remote work arrangements.

The position will play a critical role in understanding adult tobacco/nicotine consumer needs, behaviors, and trends, translating insights into actionable guidance for cross-functional partners in product development and marketing. This individual will drive learning plans, advance research methodologies, and ensure insights are effectively delivered to inform strategic decision-making for product development and growth.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead consumer research and opportunity identification: Design and execute learning plans to uncover insights and identify whitespace opportunities that inform innovation strategy.
• Develop forward-looking consumer understanding: Analyze trends, behaviors, and data to build a deep and evolving view of adult tobacco/nicotine consumer needs.
• Drive cross-functional alignment: Partner with Product Development, Marketing, and other stakeholders to define research objectives and ensure alignment on priorities and deliverables.
• Manage research execution: Oversee study design, vendor partnerships, and execution to deliver high-quality insights on time and within scope.
• Synthesize and communicate insights: Translate complex data into clear, compelling insights and recommendations for stakeholders and leadership.
• Prioritize and manage projects: Balance multiple initiatives effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Advance research methodologies: Evaluate and introduce new research approaches to improve speed, quality, and impact of insights.
• Manage budgets and resources: Oversee research investments and ensure effective allocation of resources across projects.

We want you to have:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a Science or Engineering field (Sensory Science, Psychology, Human Factors, Consumer Science, Engineering, Biology, or Chemistry, although other similar majors will be considered).
• 6+ years of experience in consumer-driven R&D or similar products research experience, with 3+ years of experience with creating and leading strategic research programs that help successfully launch new categories or sub-categories is preferred.  
• Expertise in advanced sensory methodologies, design of experiments and quantitative modeling, including Driver analysis, DCE/choice modeling for product optimization and TURF for portfolio and SKU strategy.
• Ability to integrate sensory, behavioral and performance data into clear insights.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to craft compelling, insight-driven stories.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced, dynamic, and ambiguous environment.
• Client management and consultative mindset, with confidence to challenge and debate constructively.

Additional Information