Sensory Panel Lead

Carbon; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Synergy is seeking an experienced Sensory Panel Leader to oversee the day-to-day operation, development, and performance of our Trained Sensory Panels, based at a client site in Southampton. This role offers an exciting opportunity to take ownership of high-quality research delivery while leading and developing a dedicated panel team.

You will plan, coordinate, and deliver sensory studies to the highest standards, providing leadership, coaching, and ongoing development to panellists, building

Qualifications

• Understanding of scientific testing principles and robust data generation.
• Experience coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational, time management, and project coordination.
• Strong communication across all levels and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with data collection or reporting systems.
• Knowledge of governance and health & safety in regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating and executing sensory studies, ensuring activities are planned, compliant, and delivered on time.
• Leading sensory panel sessions and guiding panellists in line with methodologies.
• Managing study preparation, including sample handling, scheduling, documentation, and reviews.
• Delivering panellist recruitment, onboarding, and training programmes.
• Providing line management for the trained sensory panel and supporting performance.
• Monitoring panellist performance and data quality with refresher training as needed.
• Maintaining documentation, attendance records, and study trackers.
• Driving continuous improvement across sensory capabilities and training.

Skills

Scientific testing principles

Robust data generation

Stakeholder coordination

Project coordination

Time management

Communication skills

Record-keeping discipline

MS Office

Data collection systems

Analytical reasoning

Governance & safety

Tools

Compusense

Job description

Sensory Panel Leader

Is this the next step in your career Find out if you are the right candidate by reading through the complete overview below.

Location: Southampton, Hampshire

Salary: Competitive (DOE)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent

About The Role

Synergy is recruiting an experienced Sensory Panel Leader to oversee the day-to-day operation, development, and performance of our Trained Sensory Panels, based at a client site in Southampton. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a passion for sensory science to take ownership of high-quality research delivery while leading and developing a dedicated panel team.

As Sensory Panel Leader, you'll be responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering sensory research studies to the highest quality standards, ensuring the panel consistently produces accurate, reliable, and actionable insights. Working closely with the departmental management team, you'll provide leadership, coaching, and ongoing development to panellists, building capability, engagement, and performance across the team.

What You'll Be Doing

• Coordinating and executing sensory studies, ensuring activities are planned, compliant, and delivered on time
• Leading sensory panel sessions and guiding panellists in line with established methodologies and best practice
• Managing study preparation, including sample handling, scheduling, documentation, and readiness reviews
• Delivering panellist recruitment, onboarding, and training programmes
• Providing line management for the trained sensory panel, supporting engagement, attendance, development, wellbeing, and performance
• Monitoring panellist performance and data quality, coordinating refresher training where needed
• Maintaining accurate documentation, attendance records, and study trackers
• Driving continuous improvement across sensory capabilities, processes, and training programmes
• Collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders and the wider sensory network
• Upholding health, safety, quality, and compliance standards, including ISO 9001

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Understanding of scientific testing principles and robust data generation
• Experience coordinating projects or operational activities with multiple stakeholders
• Strong organisational, time management, and project coordination skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across all levels
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping discipline
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience with data collection or reporting systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of governance, compliance, and health & safety in a regulated environment

Desirable

• Knowledge of sensory testing methodologies and panel training principles
• Laboratory experience (academic, placement, or professional)
• Experience with trained sensory panels or sensory research programmes
• Experience in panellist recruitment, onboarding, and training
• Familiarity with sensory software platforms (e.g. Compusense)
• Data processing, analysis, or programming experience
• Experience producing and presenting data-driven reports
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems
• Experience in regulated industries (tobacco, nicotine, FMCG, pharmaceutical, consumer products, etc.)

Lean Six Sigma Or Continuous Improvement Qualifications

• Experience across multiple product categories and cross-functional teams

Why Join Us?

This is a permanent role offering the chance to lead a skilled sensory panel, shape training and development practices, and play a key role in delivering high-quality research that informs real business decisions