Sensory Panel Leader

Eurofins; Cork; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Eurofins in Cork is looking for a Sensory Panel Leader to oversee sensory panels for accurate data collection. The ideal candidate will recruit and train panellists while ensuring data integrity and performance through daily sessions.

This role requires a Bachelor's in food science and 1–2 years experience in sensory or quality assurance. Join Eurofins in delivering insights that drive product quality and consumer research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food science or a related discipline.
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a sensory or quality assurance environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for coaching panellists.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and train sensory panellists.
• Lead daily panel sessions and ensure accurate data collection.
• Monitor and coach panellists to maintain consistency.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Data accuracy

Coaching and training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science or related discipline

Tools

Fizz Acquisition software

EyeQuestion software

Job description

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.

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

• 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

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or a related discipline
• Minimum 1–2 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 sensory software and basic statistical concepts (ANOVA, PCA, etc.)
• 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