Description:
About us:

As a Fortune 50 company with more than 350,000 team members worldwide, Target is an iconic brand and one of America's leading retailers.

Working at Target means the opportunity to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Caring for our communities is woven into who we are, and we invest in the places we collectively live, work and play. We prioritize relationships, fuel and develop talent by creating growth opportunities, and succeed as one Target team. At our core, our purpose is ingrained in who we are, what we value, and how we work. It's how we care, grow, and win together.

At the heart of one of the world's best-loved and most recognizable brands is an impeccable Owned Brand Product Design and Management organization. We thrive on the magic of discovering that just-right thing, and we infuse everything we do with our passion for delighting our guests. We concept, develop, make and deliver the great tasting new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve. We are uber-savvy trend and quality experts who stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying our market's needs and exceeding them, every time. Join one of our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the taste, quality and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will have a direct and positive effect, whether on Food & Beverage, Home, Hardlines or Apparel & Accessories categories. Here, you will be close to the action of dreaming up and bringing to life the Target-owned brands that surprise and gratify guests, wherever and whenever they love to shop.

Job Overview:

A role with Target's Product Insights team is an opportunity to bring owned brands to life by anchoring in insights to develop brands, products, and packaging that our guests will love. You will leverage internal and external partnerships to support innovation and product & packaging development projects. Your influence and ability to efficiently prep, plan, and execute research projects will add value to the business teams, enabling Target to build differentiated owned brands.

As a Sr. Product Insights Specialist (Sensory Facility Operations), you will focus on the key responsibilities with the company:

Execution & Facility Operations

• Support Product Insights Researchers (quantitative and qualitative) in the preparation, execution of product usage tests, taste tests, process management, and other product research on Owned Brand projects across Food & Beverage, Essentials & Beauty, Apparel & Accessories, Home, and Pets.

• Work will involve:
  
  • Product Insights product test facilitation, including set up, interaction with panelists, serving, managing test calendar, and clean up.
  • Sample preparation, following strict protocols for virtual and in-person tests
  • Sensory Facility support, including set up and clean up for experimentation and evaluations; maintenance activities; also includes dishes
  • Sample management on all projects
• Maintain safe, clean and orderly work area following the company's prescribed safety procedures and COVID-19 guidelines.
• Provide panelist management support, as needed, such as obtaining respondents shipping information.
• Responsible for assisting panelists through facility, labeling sample materials, preparing references and samples, setting up panel booths, serving, restocking and cleaning panel areas and equipment.
• Responsible for effective operation of the sensory laboratory for projects;
• Perform work in a laboratory complex utilizing equipment and scientific instrumentation; develop standard operating procedures, with a focus on process optimization.

Product Insights Research Partnerships:

• Provide general support to the broader Product Insights team, as needed; work may include assisting with research events, facility tours, and general record keeping.
• Work proactively in a hybrid working model, creating collaborative partnerships with Product Insights researchers/specialists & business teams.
• Independently handle complex issues with minimal supervision, while escalating only the most complex issues to appropriate staff, researchers, and leaders.
• Successfully multi-task and adapt to rapidly changing priorities

Minimum Job Requirements

• Two year degree in a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Accountable and able to manage execution independently with clear direction; high attention to detail.
• Excellence in maximizing productivity - strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Collaborative; work well with others and solves problems; strong organizational skills
• Committed to diversity and inclusion; Value each person's unique strengths to effectively collaborate and partner with teams
• Physical Requirements: Position requires standing, bending, and moving a lot. May need to move light (10-20 lbs.) equipment or supplies from one place to another
• Hybrid work environment; on-site work required up to 80%

Desired Job Requirements

• Four year degree
• Previous experience working with taste tests, or in a sensory, scientific, or product development lab, highly preferred
• Food handlers food safety certification (such as ServSafe or other approved certification), or open to obtaining
• High degree of initiative; works with a sense of urgency
• Strong interpersonal skills
• High aptitude for learning new software programs. Experience with sensory testing software (such as Compusense, SIMS) preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Tools (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Excellent food preparation skills; enjoys and is comfortable working with food

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Target will provide reasonable accommodations (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with the application process upon your request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please visit your nearest Target store or Distribution Center or reach out to Guest Services at 1-800-440-0680 for additional information.

Qualifications: