Senior Technologist, Sensory

J.M. Smucker; Orrville (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

J.M. Smucker is seeking a Senior Technologist, Sensory, to own test design, panel execution, data analysis, and reporting. You will lead trained descriptive panels and build partnerships across the organization to deepen sensory expertise and improve practices.

The role focuses on developing others, guiding sensory practices, and helping teams make informed product decisions in a hybrid Orrville, Ohio setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related scientific field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in food industry or equivalent academic program.
• Sensory science training preferred (academic or industry).
• Panel Leader / Moderator experience a plus.
• Understands/applies sensory evaluation methodologies/statistics related to affective, discrimination, and descriptive testing.

Responsibilities

• Manages/participates in the execution phase of testing, including product procurement, statistical test design, consumer questionnaire development, panelist scheduling, and panel scheduling.
• Spends the majority of time with data analysis and report writing, sensory test requests, and descriptive panel management.
• Leads descriptive panel(s) for a variety of product categories through recruiting, facilitating, engaging, and tracking the performance of trained panelists.
• Manage lab inventory of descriptive panel references and products.
• Plan for panel maintenance and growth by managing the descriptive panel schedule.
• Maintains a strong focus on customer service to effectively communicate and have positive interactions with panelists.
• Builds relationships within the Sensory team and with customers to enhance communication.
• Leads by example to accurately record testing anomalies and project details, ensuring accurate SOPs.
• Applies sensory evaluation methodologies to organize and execute consumer and trained panels.
• Contributes to continuous improvement of sensory practices with focus on efficiencies in project-making, reporting, and descriptive analysis.
• Builds extensive knowledge of sensory science.
• Provides guidance/support in the Sensory Lab as needed.
• Develops and supports training for other departments or locations for sensory evaluation needs.
• Analyzes and interprets traditional sensory data to prepare sensory projects and reports.
• Coaches sensory personnel by conducting trainings, teaching sensory methodologies and leading by example.
• Provides technical support for sensory software including software testing and upgrades.
• Maintains an odor-neutral environment by avoiding perfumes and other scents.

Skills

Sensory science

Panel leadership

Data analysis

Experimental design

Statistical methods

Communication skills

Project management

Microsoft Office

Sensory software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/ Chemistry/ Biology/ Psychology/ Computer Science or related

Job description

Your Opportunity as the Senior Technologist, Sensory

This is an opportunity to turn sensory science into meaningful product insights. You'll own projects from test design and panel execution through data analysis and reporting, while leading trained descriptive panels and building strong partnerships across the organization. If you enjoy the combination of science, data, products, and people, this role provides the opportunity to deepen your sensory expertise, develop others, improve sensory practices, and help teams make more informed product decisions.

Location: Orrville, Ohio Corporate

Work Arrangements: Monday to Friday 8 to 5, Hybrid - onsite a minimum of 9 days a month, primarily during core weeks as determined by the Company; maybe more as business need requires

In this role you will:

• Manages/participates in the execution phase of testing, including, but not limited to, product procurement, statistical test design, consumer questionnaire development, panelist scheduling, and panel scheduling
• Spends the majority of their time with data analysis and report writing, sensory test requests, and descriptive panel management
• Leads descriptive panel(s) for a variety of product categories through recruiting, facilitating, engaging, and tracking the performance of trained panelists
• Manage lab inventory of descriptive panel references and products
• Plan for panel maintenance and growth by managing the descriptive panel schedule
• Maintains a strong focus on customer service to effectively communicate and have positive interactions with panelists
• Builds relationships within the Sensory team and with customers to enhance communication
• Leads by example to accurately record testing anomalies and project details, ensuring accurate SOPs
• Applies sensory evaluation methodologies to organize and execute consumer and trained panels
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of sensory practices within the realm of traditional research, with a focus on efficiencies related to project-making, reporting, and descriptive analysis
• Build an extensive knowledge of sensory science
• Per business need provide guidance/support in the Sensory Lab
• Develops and supports training for other departments or locations for sensory evaluation needs, such as Research & Development or plant quality teams
• Analyzes and interprets traditional sensory data to prepare sensory projects and reports
• Coaches sensory personnel by conducting trainings, teaching sensory methodologies and leading by example
• Provides technical support for sensory software to include software testing and upgrades
• Maintain odor neutral environment by striving to be personally "odor neutral" by agreeing not to wear perfume or other scents and being aware of other environmental odors.

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science or related scientific/mathematical discipline.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in food industry or equivalent academic program
• Sensory science training preferred (either academic or industry experience)
• Panel Leader / Moderator experience a plus
• Understands/applies sensory evaluation methodologies/statistics related to affective, discrimination, and descriptive testing

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:

• Demonstrated ability to interface and communicate (written and oral)
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and sensory software packages
• Detail oriented and ability to multi-task and adapt in a dynamic business environment
• Ability to efficiently lead, without biasing, a trained panel
• Solid statistical background and problem-solving skills
• Strong project management and leadership skills
• Ability to be proficient working on a team and individually
• Strong organizational and time management skills

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs , and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.