Senior Manager, Client Growth & Strategy

Position Overview This role plays a strategic part in supporting SAM’s continued growth by strengthening client relationships and shaping high‑value research collaborations. The role focuses on engaging closely with clients to understand their business challenges and translating those needs into relevant research opportunities. The position is designed for a senior professional with a strong research background who can engage credibly with clients at a strategic level and drive sustainable revenue growth by strengthening relationships with existing clients and supporting the development of new client opportunities. By combining scientific insight with commercial awareness, the role supports SAM’s ambition to deliver meaningful impact for clients while ensuring long‑term business success. The position may be based in Paris, Nantes, or Aix‑en‑Provence. Purpose of the Role Grow the business by developing strong, trust‑based relationships with existing and prospective clients. Act as a bridge between clients and SAM’s research capabilities, ensuring solutions are relevant, differentiated, and aligned with client priorities. Contribute to SAM’s commercial success through thought leadership, needs‑based dialogue, and value creation. Key Responsibilities Client Understanding & Strategic Engagement Develop a deep understanding of client organizations, categories, and decision‑making challenges. Engage clients in consultative, insight‑driven discussions to identify current and emerging needs. Act as a senior, credible point of contact in client interactions, positioning SAM as a strategic, long‑term research partner. Growth Enablement Leverage SAM France’s strategic client partnerships within the FMCG sector to identify additional areas of value creation and long‑term collaboration. Reengage inactive or lapsed clients to rebuild relationships and explore opportunities for renewed collaboration. Identify and shape new research opportunities by translating client needs and business challenges into relevant sensory and consumer research solutions. Thought Leadership & Visibility Actively drive, in collaboration with the Marketing team, the positioning of SAM France as a trusted partner across multiple communication channels, including digital presence, targeted outreach, and industry visibility initiatives. Represent SAM’s expertise and value proposition at conferences and relevant industry forums. Share market and client insights internally to support capability development and strategic decision‑making. Contribute to the ongoing development and optimization of digital sales and communication materials.

Profile & Capabilities Senior background in consumer and/or sensory research, with strong applied experience in the FMCG sector. Ability to connect scientific thinking with business questions and client realities. Natural relationship builder with confidence and credibility in senior client discussions. Comfortable contributing to commercial growth discussions without compromising scientific integrity. Strategic, curious, and forward‑looking mindset. Strong communication skills, able to articulate value—not just methods. Alignment with SAM’s values. Excellent communication skills in French and English. Education and Experience Minimum 5 years of experience as a Research Manager/Director or in a client‑facing commercial role in consumer research, ideally including sensory, marketing research and/or new product development. Experience working across several of the FMCG industries in France. Bachelor’s degree in marketing, scientific, business, or a related field (or equivalent work experience) preferred. Advanced degrees preferred. Agency experience preferred.