Sensory Panel Leader

MMR Research; Pleasantville (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

MMR Research Worldwide is seeking a full-time Sensory Panel Manager to lead our panel operations in Pleasantville, NY. The role combines panel leadership and project management, delivering sensory projects from panel sessions to report writing.

The successful candidate has 2–3 years of sensory panel leading experience, a Bachelor's degree in a related field, and IT literacy with sensory data capture software. Join a dynamic sensory team and contribute to high‑quality descriptive analyses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Food Science, Sensory Science, Experimental Psychology, Sociology, or related).
• 2–3 years of sensory panel leading experience, including descriptive analysis.
• IT literate with experience of sensory data capture software.

Responsibilities

• Manage the sensory panel and lead panel sessions on client projects, ensuring smooth delivery and high‑quality descriptive analysis data.
• Direct the Sensory Panel Assistant to safeguard panel preparation and facilitation.
• Recruit and train new panelists.
• Collect and analyze panel monitoring data, providing feedback and one‑to‑one reviews to maximize data quality and engagement.
• Brief and liaise with colleagues and other departments, creating documentation and materials for accurate and timely execution.
• Draw up schedules and coordinate all aspects of each project.
• Assist with product preparation and serving as required.
• Keep clients updated on project progress and obtain sign‑off on relevant documentation.
• Support report delivery, including protocols, methodologies, lexicons, inventory tracking, chart creation and interpretation.
• Promote a positive and pleasant working environment for all at MMR.

Skills

Sensory panel leadership

Descriptive analysis

Strong communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Self‑start / initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related

Tools

Sensory data capture software

Job description

Looking to grow and develop your career in Sensory Research? MMR Research Worldwide is seeking a full‑time Sensory Panel Manager to lead our panel operations in Pleasantville, New York. This role combines panel leadership and project management, delivering sensory projects from panel sessions to report writing.

Department: Sensory

Location: SSC Pleasantville, NY

Compensation: $60,000 – $70,000 per year

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the sensory panel and lead panel sessions on client projects, ensuring smooth delivery and high‑quality descriptive analysis data.
• Direct the Sensory Panel Assistant to safeguard panel preparation and facilitation.
• Recruit and train new panelists.
• Collect and analyze panel monitoring data, providing feedback and one‑to‑one reviews to maximize data quality and engagement.
• Brief and liaise with colleagues and other departments, creating documentation and materials for accurate and timely execution.
• Draw up schedules and coordinate all aspects of each project.
• Assist with product preparation and serving as required.
• Keep clients updated on project progress and obtain sign‑off on relevant documentation.
• Support report delivery, including protocols, methodologies, lexicons, inventory tracking, chart creation and interpretation.
• Promote a positive and pleasant working environment for all at MMR.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 2–3 years of sensory panel leading experience, including descriptive analysis.
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Experimental Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• IT literate with experience of sensory data capture software.
• Self‑manager, able to switch between tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong communicator, keeping the US sensory team informed of issues and prepared to speak up.
• Exceptional organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to multi‑task.
• Strong team player, able to maintain open and honest relationships and build trust with colleagues and clients.
• Self‑starter who takes initiative and demonstrates flexibility in a dynamic environment.
• Passion for working in sensory.
• Great attention to detail, checking own and others' work for inconsistencies and rectifying errors.