Sensory Panel Leader

MMR Research; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Generous holiday allowances

Market-leading training opportunities

Job summary

A leading market research firm in Richmond, VA, seeks a Sensory Panel Leader to oversee and manage sensory panels for top CPG brands. You will work closely with clients, ensure proper project management, and lead the recruitment and training of new panelists. A degree in Food or Sensory Science and prior sensory panel experience is required. The role offers a competitive salary, generous allowances, and training opportunities. Some remote work is possible on non-panel days.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, or related field.
• Previous experience in leading sensory panels.
• Competent with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Manage sensory panel and lead sessions on projects.
• Prepare and manage sensory products for evaluations.
• Assist clients with sensory project management.
• Help train new panelists to required standards.
• Analyze and monitor panel performance with feedback.

Skills

Team player

Interpersonal skills

Self-management

Attention to detail

Food preparation

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Degree in Food Science or Sensory Science

Tools

Compusense

Job description

Sensory Panel Leader

Department: Sensory

Employment Type: Contract

Location: Virginia (CMP)

Reporting To: Shannon Fekula

Compensation: $70,000 / year

Description

Are you an ambitious Sensory Panel Leader? Would you like to work with one of the world’s top CPG brands to help them develop incredible new products?

MMR Research Worldwide has big plans for our US operation, and we’re looking for a proactive individual to join one of MMR’s client managed panels as a Sensory Panel Leader.

You will work collaboratively with one other Sensory Panel Manager on-site to help manage the sensory panels and clients, as well as recruit and train new panelists.

This role is based full-time on-site at MMR’s client facility in Richmond, VA, with some flexibility to work remotely on non-panel days/times.

Key Responsibilities

• 🤝 Managing the sensory panel and leading panel sessions on clients’ projects (occasionally covering two sensory panels when the other team member is unavailable).
• 🔍 Researching, sourcing, preparing, and managing products and sensory references for sensory panel sessions, ensuring that products are evaluated according to strict protocols.
• ✅ Ensuring that all activities carried out comply with basic food hygiene standards. Basic food hygiene training will be provided.
• 📝 Assisting clients with sensory project management, ensuring appropriate resourcing and equipment, brainstorming on research design, and creating project schedules - keeping clients up to date with progress.
• 👨🏫 Running recruitment screening sessions and helping train new panelists to the required standards.
• 💻 Programing and running sensory software (Compusense) for sensory project data collection. Training will be provided.
• 📈 Analyzing and monitoring panel performance and providing relevant feedback and one-to-one reviews.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A degree in Food Science, Sensory Science or a related field.
• Previous sensory panel leading and food preparation experience.
• Competent using Microsoft Office.
• A strong team player, able to maintain open and honest relationships with colleagues, building trust and confidence. You will need to be able to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• In possession of excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong self-management skills, able to switch between tasks according to business needs, coping with changing priorities and keeping stakeholders informed of possible issues.
• A strong self-starter, able to take initiative and speak up about your ideas.
• High attention to detail.

Benefits

Competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and market-leading training opportunities are standard here.