WHO WE ARE
We’re Talking Rain, and we’re so much more than water. We build flavorful brands, like Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice +Caffeine, Sparkling Ice +Energy, Talking Rain Waters, and AQA pH waters. We're creating connections with every sip!
When it comes to success, we know we’re only as strong as our team. That's why we're an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and practice inclusivity, hiring great people who enhance our company.
We empower our Rain Makers to forge the way—creating opportunity at the intersection of what they love, what we need, and where they thrive. Want to get to know us better? Click to learn about us and our careers. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Instagram, and Facebook.
WHAT YOU''LL DO
Our Research & Development team is proud of where we’ve been, but more interested in where we’re going. This team drives creativity, while driving the growth of our portfolio of products.
You will be responsible for Leading, Designing, Developing, Implementing and Maintaining Talking Rain’s R&D Sensory Program that Supports Product Development, Renovation, Innovation, and Brand Maintenance across the TRBC Business Categories. This role is pivotal in further integrating consumer-focused sensory research and testing during the design, development and launch process.
Reports to: Director, Research & Development
Direct Reports: Sensory Scientist
Location: Onsite at our Preston, WA office 5 days a week
*Life happens and we know it. In-office days and hours are dependent on department and business needs, so as long as you’re honest about your needs, we will do what we can to support when things pop up.
Annual Bonus Potential: 13% - Eligibility is based on the company hitting annual financial targets.
Base Salary: $105,000 - $135,000 (depending on experience)
Note: New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market
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Lead, Design, Develop, Implement, and Maintain Talking Rain's R&D Sensory testing program that supports precision-based product development.
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Create and implement a robust infrastructure for sensory testing and research – including the development and implementation of procedures in conjunction with multiple cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
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Manage and develop project pipelines and processes while working on multiple projects and priorities.
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Work with brand and product development to define consumer experience targets and sensory testing methodology to ensure the design and development of products that deliver on consumer sensory expectations.
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Build, support, and grow the Sensory team capabilities and talent with a focus on growth, accountability, consumers, agility, customers, and velocity to market while meeting business objectives.
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Accountable for all elements of test execution, including design and administration of appropriate research methods, interpretation and reporting of data, and general consultation on strategic product and business initiatives.
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Identify sensory and/or consumer research needs for new product development and innovation projects.
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Identify and manage external academic/industrial research collaboration and vendor relationships.
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Ensure Standards of Product Quality that meet or exceed customer expectations by adhering to strict testing protocols that have been validated for accuracy.
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Establish and manage relationships with cross-functional teams and serve as a critical-thinking partner.
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Collaborate across different internal and external departments and interact with upper levels of leadership on a regular basis to influence business decisions.
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Establish a long-term strategy growth plan for the sensory team that continues to improve the level and depth of services provided to the organization.
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Lead, coach, and develop talent.
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Develop and monitor the Sensory Testing Budget.
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Oversee Sensory Lab Space optimization and management.
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Complete other responsibilities as assigned.
WHAT YOU BRING
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A BS or graduate degree in Sensory/Behavioral/Biological Sciences or a related field is preferred. BS or graduate degree in food science or a related field accepted.
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Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of work experience with 3-5 years experience in leading/building a consumer-centric sensory program is preferred.
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5+ years industry – CPG, Foodservice, MFG, etc is a must.
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Excellent communications skills including the ability to deliver a clear story to influence agreement to your recommendations with data and insights.
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Intellectual curiosity and the creativity to discover and implement new solutions.
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Advanced critical thinking and strategic planning skills.
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Ability to comfortably and confidently present to all levels within the enterprise.
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Effective communicator, able to influence down, up, and cross-functionally driving consensus to action.
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Solutions-oriented, a strategic thinker and decision-maker, and able to build and nurture dynamic effective teams, continuous improvement mindset, result and solutions orientation.
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Strong ability to collaborate with and lead cross functional teams and initiatives.
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Strong ability to build and maintain vendor relationships.
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Strong ability to identify opportunities and influence direct reports, senior leadership and cross functional teams.
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Strong Business acumen and prioritization skills.
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Strong people development skills.
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Ability to adapt to the changing needs of a dynamic growth-oriented business.
This role is safety-sensitive. This means that you'll be regularly responsible for your own safety and/or the safety of others (e.g., driving on behalf of the company, working in a warehouse or plant environment).
Rain Makers are people who are accountable, curious, and inclusive.
We hold ourselves accountable and recognize room for growth while openly accepting feedback. We embrace change to deliver progressive results.
Rain Makers don’t wait for answers – we go find them. Curiosity is part of what makes us so successful. Sometimes we push back, productively challenging the status quo.
We promote inclusivity. Valuing communication and respect, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. We are an approachable bunch, building and fostering relationships with people of all backgrounds.
WHAT WE OFFER
Nothing makes a great job even better than throwing in a few perks, and we want to equip our Rain Makers with everything they need to maintain their health and well-being. That means things like...
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Three Weeks of Vacation. And that’s just to start! Spend some time with us, and you’ll accrue an additional week every few years, depending on your exempt status!
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Six Weeks of Paid Parental Leave. Parents get to spend time at home bonding with their new addition (whether it arrives by birth, fostering, or adoption). For birth mothers, additional time is provided for medical leave. Depending on the state in which you reside, additional time may also be available for parents who do not require medical leave.
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Flexibility Stipend. For eligible Rain Makers, spend this extra monthly stipend as you wish, but know it’s intended to contribute to things like your phone, internet or other business uses while working remotely or needs outside of normal working hours.
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Relocation: Relocation Available (when available)
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Vehicle Program –
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Field Sales Specialist – Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate
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Field Sales Managers and Market Managers – Company car included!
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Regional Sales Managers and Sales Directors – We use the leader in vehicle reimbursement solutions, Motus. This program provides a monthly fixed and variable rate that adheres to IRS guidelines for the business use of personal vehicles.
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HQ Directors/VPs – Vehicle Stipend – This role qualifies for a vehicle stipend equaling $650/$800 monthly.
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401k with Immediate Vesting. With matched contributions and investment customization, we'll help build a plan to reach your goals.
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Fitness Reimbursements. We're all about going the extra mile, so we provide reimbursements for community events and competitions like fun runs, triathlons, and cycling tours.
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Medical/Dental/Vision. Not only do we offer it, but our plans are excellent and flexible to your needs. And one is even free for our Rain Makers!
Please note, eligibility for our full benefits package is based on an average of 30+ hours per week in regular (not temporary) positions.
What We Do
Progressive and sustainable, we're always looking at what's next. Talking Rain is experiencing double-digit growth, primarily driven by Sparkling Ice, America's #1 Sparkling Water. We're constantly innovating. We fail fast and use what we learn to produce incredible results. All of this is possible because of our Rain Makers.
This diverse group of people shows up every day with an insatiable curiosity and a drive to get things done—and we can always trust them to make it happen. Things move fast around here, which is why we're so thankful for the flexibility they bring. Above all, our Rain Makers are just an approachable, empathetic bunch—because creating connections is at the core of everything we do.
Our people are our most important asset. That's why we invest in them with benefits and development opportunities that reflect just how much we value them.
We've come a long way since we were founded in 1987 by two men in a bar. If you're looking for your new home, a place where you'll be empowered to make an impact, visit our website to learn more about the people and events that helped form the company we are today and will be tomorrow.
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