Sensory Scientist (Food & Drink)

ZipRecruiter; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent food company in Nottingham seeks a Sensory Scientist to lead sensory research activities. Responsibilities include managing sensory panels and designing sensory tests to drive decision-making across product development. The ideal candidate has over 3 years of sensory science experience and a professional sensory course certification. This role requires onsite work 4–5 days per week and does not provide visa sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in sensory science.
• Completion of a professional sensory course (essential).
• Expertise in descriptive and quantitative sensory methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead sensory research activities and manage sensory panels.
• Design and execute sensory tests like QDA and discrimination testing.
• Translate insights into strategic recommendations for product development.

Skills

Panel management

Sensory methodologies

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Professional sensory course

Tools

XLstat

RedJade

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description

Join one of the UK’s Leading Food Businesses! Working for a leading branded food business seeking a Sensory Scientist to join their growing Sensory and Product function. With household-name brands and a broad product portfolio, this company prides itself on quality, innovation, and consumer satisfaction — and sensory science plays a vital role in that success.

In this key role, you will lead sensory research activities across a wide range of products, managing trained sensory panels, designing and executing studies, analysing data, and translating insights into strategic recommendations. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, NPD, and Marketing, to ensure sensory evidence drives decision-making across product development and brand optimisation.

Key Accountabilities.

• Leading and managing a trained sensory panel, ensuring high-quality, robust data collection
• Designing and delivering sensory tests such as QDA, discrimination testing, and consensus profiling
• Supporting innovation, quality improvement, and cost optimisation projects with sensory input
• Interpreting and communicating results using tools like XLstat and RedJade
• Championing best practice and continuous improvement in sensory science across the business
• Coaching and developing panellists and internal stakeholders on sensory principles

People Profile.

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in sensory science, with strong hands-on panel management
• Completion of a professional sensory course (essential)
• Expertise in descriptive and quantitative sensory methodologies
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and sensory software (e.g. XLstat, RedJade)
• Exceptional communication, analysis and stakeholder management skills
• A UK driving license and flexibility to work onsite 4–5 days per week (Worksop-based)

Please note: This role does not offer visa sponsorship. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

To apply, please e-mail in strict confidence, with a comprehensive CV, including salary details, quoting the above reference and for the attention of James Constable

Due to a high volume of responses, we cannot reply to each application individually. If you have not had a response within one week, we are sorry to say your application has not been successful on this occasion.