Sensory Panel Leader Cork Ireland

SAM Sensory and Marketing International GmbH; Cork; On-site; EUR 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

SAM Sensory and Marketing International GmbH in Ireland seeks a Sensory Panel Leader to coordinate and oversee sensory panels for product evaluation. You will train panellists, ensure data integrity, and deliver actionable insights to support product development and QA.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in food science and 1–2 years in sensory or QA, with strong communication and data accuracy skills. Experience with ANOVA/PCA is a plus in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or related discipline.
• 1–2 years of sensory or quality assurance experience.
• 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.
• Experience with sensory software and basic statistical concepts (ANOVA, PCA) is a plus.

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
• 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

Interpersonal skills

Coaching panellists

Data accuracy

Attention to detail

Communication

Statistical concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science

Tools

Fizz Acquisition

EyeQuestion

Job description

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
• 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

• 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
• Experience with sensory software and basic statistical concepts (ANOVA, PCA, etc.) 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