Senior Technologist, Sensory

Smucker Retail Foods, Inc.; Orrville (OH); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The J. M. Smucker Co. is seeking a Senior Technologist, Sensory in Orrville, OH. This role leads trained descriptive panels, designs tests, analyzes data, and partners across the organization to translate sensory science into actionable product insights.

You will manage panel activities, maintain lab references, and contribute to continuous improvement of sensory practices while supporting other departments in sensory evaluation needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science or related discipline.
• 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 and statistics.

Responsibilities

• Manages/participates in the execution phase of testing, including test design and panel scheduling (descriptive and consumer).
• Data analysis and report writing for sensory projects.
• Leads descriptive panels across product categories and maintains panel references.
• Plans and maintains lab inventory and panel schedules to ensure timely execution.
• Provides training and guidance in sensory evaluation methods across departments.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Statistics

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Sensory software

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.

We’re a community of passionate, talented professionals dedicated to creating food people and pets love—while supporting the communities in which we work and live.

We value what makes each person unique, champion growth and development, and foster collaboration that fuels productivity and drives our shared success.

Learn more about our Thrive Together purpose

At Smucker, we're passionate about creating a workplace where you truly belong. With a culture rooted in our Basic Beliefs and a competitive Total Rewards program, we aim to support every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Learn more about working at Smucker

Our culture is sustained and brought to life every day by the people of Smucker and our hiring process is designed to identify the right candidate for every position at our company.

Learn more about our hiring process

The J. M. Smucker Co. (the “Company”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person will be discriminated against in hiring or in any other aspect of their employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.