Sensory Panel Leader

SAM Sensory and Consumer Research; Gatwick; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

SAM Sensory and Consumer Research in Gatwick is seeking a passionate Sensory Panel Leader to coordinate and oversee sensory panels for product evaluation. You will recruit and train panellists, run daily sessions, and ensure data integrity across projects.

This role emphasizes coaching, protocol adherence, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to support development, quality assurance, and consumer insights within a global FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in food science or a related discipline.
• 3–4 years of experience in a sensory or quality assurance environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for coaching panellists and coordinating with teams.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and train sensory panellists
• Lead daily panel sessions, ensuring protocols are followed and data is collected accurately
• Monitor and coach panellists to maintain consistency, reliability, and performance
• Deliver refresher training to existing panellists
• Monitor panel performance monthly
• Foster a positive, focused, and productive panel environment
• Maintain up-to-date training records and proficiency tracking
• Ensure correct sample preparation, presentation, and environmental controls
• Operate sensory software and tools (Fizz Acquisition and EyeQuestion)
• Ensure accurate input and organization of sensory data
• Maintain testing facilities, equipment, and cleanliness according to SOPs
• Contribute to continuous improvement of sensory protocols and documentation
• Ensure ethical and unbiased testing environments.

Skills

Panel management

Coaching panellists

Data accuracy

Interpersonal skills

Training

Education

Master’s degree in food science

Tools

Fizz Acquisition

EyeQuestion

Job description

Location: Gatwick

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 specialising 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

Panel Management:

• Recruit and train sensory panellists
• Lead daily panel sessions, ensuring protocols are followed and data is collected accurately
• Monitor and coach panellists to maintain consistency, reliability, and performance.
• Deliver refresher training to existing panellists
• Monitor panel performance monthly
• Foster a positive, focused, and productive panel environment.
• Maintain up-to-date training records and proficiency tracking.
• Ensure correct sample preparation, presentation, and environmental controls.
• Operate sensory software and tools (Fizz Acquisition and EyeQuestion)
• Ensure accurate input and organization of sensory data.
• Maintain testing facilities, equipment, and cleanliness according to SOPs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of sensory protocols and documentation.
• Ensure ethical and unbiased testing environments.

Candidate Profile And Qualifications

• Master’s degree in food science or a related discipline
• Minimum 3-4 years of experience in a sensory or quality assurance environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for coaching panellists and coordinating with teams.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.

Desirable Traits

• Experience with RedJade is a plus.
• Empathetic, patient, and clear communicator.
• Confident in giving feedback and facilitating group discussions.
• Analytical mindset with an interest in sensory science and human perception.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and project needs.