PLAY Innovation is looking for an experienced FMCG innovation and consumer insights professional to join its Sydney team as Client Director.
Based in Brookvale, the hybrid role combines senior client leadership, research delivery, team development and commercial responsibility. The successful candidate will inherit an established portfolio of food and beverage clients while building a dedicated business unit within PLAY Innovation.
The position is suited to someone who understands that product research must lead to a practical commercial decision. This could involve determining whether a new product is ready for market, improving an existing formulation, assessing consumer response or helping an innovation team decide where further investment is justified.
Sensory research and product testing account for a significant proportion of PLAY Innovation’s work. However, the Client Director will also work across wider consumer research and innovation projects, using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
The role carries responsibility for client growth, pricing, profitability, team performance and the quality of work delivered. Approximately half of the position will remain hands-on and billable, including research design, product testing, insight presentation and client advice.
PLAY Innovation is seeking someone with strong credibility in FMCG innovation and consumer insights, together with a sound understanding of product testing. Direct sensory research experience would be an advantage but is not essential.
The successful candidate will need the confidence to challenge assumptions, recommend research approaches that are commercially relevant and build relationships beyond individual projects. They will also coach researchers and help strengthen the systems and disciplines supporting the company’s growth.
This is not a conventional account management role. It offers the opportunity to build a team, grow a client portfolio and influence product and innovation decisions across some of Australia’s leading food and beverage businesses.
The position is full-time and based in Brookvale, Sydney, with hybrid working available.
View the full position description here
