Sensory Panel Leader Hamburg Germany

SAM Sensory and Marketing International; Hamburg; Hybrid; EUR 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

SAM Sensory and Marketing International in Hamburg seeks a dedicated Sensory Panel Leader to coordinate and train a panel for product evaluation. You will ensure data integrity, oversee panel performance, and deliver actionable insights to support product development and quality assurance.

The role requires a degree in Nutrition Science or Food Science, German language proficiency, and experience moderating or managing sensory panels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nutrition Science, Food Science, or a related field.
• Some initial experience in moderating or managing sensory panels.
• Good knowledge of sensory evaluation methodologies and related statistical analyses.
• Flexibility in working hours, with sessions primarily in the afternoon and early evening (up to ~6:00 PM).
• Native-level German required; English is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and moderate training sessions for a sensory-trained panel.
• Organize and coordinate regular sensory data collection activities.
• Monitor and evaluate panel performance.
• Foster a positive and productive working environment within the panel.
• Recruit, select, and train new panelists.
• Prepare sensory tests according to established protocols; work with sample preparation and delivery teams.
• Program data collection studies using RedJade sensory software.
• Develop test designs and study plans.
• Independently process, analyze, and interpret sensory data.
• Prepare reports and provide recommendations based on findings.

Skills

Sensory methodologies

Statistical analysis

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

German language proficiency

English language proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nutrition or Food Science

Tools

RedJade sensory software

MS Office (Word/Excel/PP)

Job description

Are you passionate about sensory analysis and panel management?
Keen to work for a global organisation in FMCG?
Want a multicultural working environment with fantastic colleagues?

........If so, we have exactly the right opportunity for you!

Who we are

We are the leading international sensory and consumer research company specializing in food, beverages, cosmetics, personal care, and other consumer products. We have 19 proprietary state-of-the-art facilities across France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, United Kingdom, Morocco, China and the USA, and cover more than 65 countries through our network of approved partners.

SAM provides tailor-made solutions, delivering actionable guidelines to make our clients’ brands and products memorable.

SAM is a great place to work.

Join SAM to work with the most competent, creative, and fun team in the industry and let your work, opinions and ideas contribute to the future of sensory and consumer research.

Become your most extraordinary self with support and development throughout your career.

Best in class

Join our very diverse team of sensory scientists, food technologists, statisticians, psychologists, sociologists, strategic thinkers, marketeers, field managers, technicians and other sensory and research experienced colleagues.

We're proud to be part of the Eurofins Group

World-leader in Testing for Life. With about 61 000 employees, Eurofins is a global leader in testing services and over the last 20 years has been one of the fastest growing companies in the world, thanks to its innovation in technology and service.

Job Description

The Sensory Panel Leader is responsible for coordinating, training, and overseeing sensory panels to ensure the accurate and consistent collection of sensory data for product evaluation. This role plays a critical part in maintaining data integrity, ensuring panellist performance, and delivering actionable insights to support product development, quality assurance, and consumer research.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and moderate training sessions for a sensory-trained panel.

Organize and coordinate regular sensory data collection activities.

Monitor and evaluate panel performance.

Foster a positive and productive working environment within the panel.

Recruit, select, and train new panelists.

Planning & Execution

Prepare sensory tests in accordance with established protocols.

Work closely with the sample preparation and sample delivery team.

Program data collection studies using the RedJade sensory software.

Develop test designs and study plans.

Data Analysis

Independently process, analyze, and interpret sensory data.

Prepare reports and provide recommendations based on findings.

Candidate profile and qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nutrition Science, Food Science, or a related field.

Ideally, some initial experience in moderating or managing sensory panels.

Good knowledge of sensory evaluation methodologies and related statistical analyses.

Flexibility in working hours, as panel training sessions and data collection activities are primarily conducted in the afternoon and early evening (expected until approximately 6:00 PM).

Native-level German language skills are required, as all panel moderation and training are conducted in German; excellent English skills are an advantage.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint); experience with RedJade sensory software is beneficial.

Enjoy working with people and collaborating within international teams.

Open-minded, communicative, and creative in your approach.

Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking skills.

Able to adapt quickly to changing priorities while maintaining a clear overview.

Solution-oriented, proactive, and a quick learner.

Interested in working on a variety of projects and gaining hands-on experience with products.