Sensory Panel Manager

Eurofins USA Food Testing; Clark (NJ); On-site; USD 103,500 - 126,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

Dental and vision options

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Eurofins USA Food Testing in Clark, NJ is seeking a qualified candidate for a role focused on managing sensory laboratory operations. This position involves overseeing panel management, executing sensory studies, and leading a team. Ideal applicants hold a degree in relevant fields and have significant experience in sensory science. Key benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Qualifications

• 5 years of industry experience.
• Strong understanding of sensory testing methodologies and statistics.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the sensory laboratory.
• Lead panel recruitment and onboarding.
• Implement sensory studies according to approved methodologies.
• Lead, coach, and support panel leaders and technicians.

Skills

Strong sensory science expertise

Organizational and project management skills

Leadership and communication skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and sensory software

Analytical skills and attention to detail

Education

BS in Food Science, Biology, Cosmetic Science, Psychology, or Marketing

Tools

FIZZ®

Compusense®

Job description

Job Description

Pay Range: $115k/Yr.

Shift: Full-Time (Additional hours as needed).

Role & Responsibilities

1. Sensory Lab & Operational Management

• Manage daily operations of the sensory laboratory, ensuring readiness, organization, and compliance.
• Oversee sample handling, preparation, storage, and disposal according to protocols.
• Define and maintain reference materials for all attributes of interest.
• Schedule quarterly partnership reviews.
• Schedule projects with panel and create session plans, according to priorities from the client.
• Inform the client as soon as possible if there are any issues with the project, products, materials, etc.
• Ensure timely scheduling and execution of all sensory sessions to meet agreed turnaround times.
• Present partnership updates and progress to date, including reporting on panel activities, panel performance and other KPIs.

2. Panel Management & Performance

• Lead panel recruitment, onboarding, training, and calibration.
• Train panel coordinators on the client's ways of working.
• Monitor panel performance using defined indicators (e.g., discrimination ability, repeatability, attendance).
• Oversee and communicate monthly hours of employment of panel coordinator and panelists to the client, to track budget.
• Point of contact for all panelists (including weekly communication on panel schedule and hours worked).
• Maintain high levels of panelist engagement and motivation through structured feedback.
• Address panelist performance or conduct issues in a timely and professional manner.

3. Sensory Study Execution

• Implement sensory studies according to approved methodologies and research plans.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure proper study setup and execution.
• Create annual validation training and reports for each of the product categories.
• Quality check sensory data.
• Run the panel sessions, including training the panel and collecting the data.
• Create online questionnaires using FIZZ.
• Regularly monitor panel performance, notify the client team of any issues regarding performance or variability in the data.
• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and reliability prior to analysis and reporting.
• Support interpretation and discussion of results with the client’s sensory team as needed.

4. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and support Panel Leaders and Technicians.
• Coordinate daily task allocation and workload management.
• Support onboarding and training new team members.
• Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement within the lab team.

5. Continuous Improvement & Sustainability

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality of sensory operations.
• Contribute to the standardization and optimization of onsite sensory processes.

Qualifications

• BS in Food Science, Biology, Cosmetic Science, Psychology, Marketing or related field with at least 5 years of industry experience.
• Strong sensory science expertise, including experience in technical product testing, descriptive panel leadership, and sensory training.
• Solid understanding of sensory testing methodologies and statistics applied to sensory data.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally to support business objectives through high‑quality sensory insights.
• Strong organizational and project management skills to manage panel dynamics.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage panel dynamics and multiple operational activities simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain panel objectivity and discipline, and performance consistency.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and sensory software such as FIZZ®, Compusense®, or similar tools.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to changes in real‑time and meet timelines.
• Confident communicator in English, both spoken and written.
• Open‑minded, easy to connect with and creative mindset.
• Agile mindset and problem‑solving attitude.
• Willingness and ability to work onsite at the client’s facility in Clark, NJ.
• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience working in the cosmetics or personal care industry.
• Completion of the UC Davis Sensory and Consumer Science Certification.
• Demonstrated people‑management experience, including coaching, developing, and leading sensory panel teams or technical staff.

Benefits

• Excellent full‑time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid vacation and holidays.

Eurofins USA Food Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Compensation: $115,000 per year