Sensory Panel Leader

Mmr Research; Virginia (MN); On-site; 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 sensory research firm in Virginia is seeking a Sensory Panel Leader to manage sensory panels and collaborate with clients. This role involves recruiting and training panelists, ensuring compliance with food hygiene standards, and assisting with sensory project management. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Food Science or Sensory Science, experience in leading sensory panels, and strong interpersonal skills. Competitive salaries and generous holiday allowances are provided.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, or related field.
• Experience leading sensory panels and food preparation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage sensory panels and lead sessions for client projects.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene standards.
• Assist clients with sensory project management.

Skills

Food Science expertise

Sensory Science experience

Microsoft Office proficiency

Excellent interpersonal skills

Strong self-management skills

High attention to detail

Education

Degree in Food Science or related field

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.