Sensory Panel Manager

MMR Research; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous holiday allowances

Market-leading training opportunities

Job summary

A leading market research firm in Virginia is looking for a Sensory Panel Manager to oversee analytical sensory programs for top CPG brands. This full-time position involves planning and leading sensory panels, managing client relationships, and ensuring high-quality insights and panel operations. Candidates should have a degree in Food Science or Sensory Science, with 4-5 years of relevant experience, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with sensory-related software. Competitive salary with excellent benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• A degree in Food Science, Sensory Science or a related field.
• At least 4‑5 years of industry experience.
• Sound knowledge and experience in analytical sensory analysis methods.
• Previous experience of statistical software for analysis.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and lead the Descriptive Analysis panel.
• Monitor panel performance against client KPIs.
• Manage lab inventory and panelist recruitment/trainings.
• Work closely with the client Sensory Team.

Skills

Analytical sensory analysis methods

Client management skills

Statistical software

Descriptive panel leadership

Food Science or Sensory Science degree

Ability to work independently

Education

Degree in Food Science or Sensory Science

Tools

Compusense

RedJade

Job description

Sensory Panel Manager

Department: Sensory
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Virginia (CMP)
Reporting To: Shannon Fekula
Compensation: $90,000 / year

Description

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 Sensory Panel Manager to join one of MMR’s client‑managed panels. You will oversee the analytical sensory program on-site for our client, ensuring the delivery of high-quality sensory insights, effective panel operations, and strong client relationships. 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

• Plan, schedule, and lead the Descriptive Analysis panel (occasionally covering two sensory panels when the other team member is unavailable).
• Monitor the ability and performance of the panel to deliver against the client’s KPIs.
• Plan for panel growth, maintenance, and panelist replacement (collaborating with the local sensory team and MMR HR to regularly recruit and train new panelists).
• Recommend methods to address questions and objectives, acting as an internal consultant to the client Sensory team on research design.
• Manage lab inventory of consumables, references and products.
• Work closely with the client Sensory Team to ensure panels are meeting company goals.
• Manage one direct report (Sensory Panel Leader).

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A degree in Food Science, Sensory Science or a related field.
• At least 4‑5 years of industry experience.
• Sound knowledge and experience in a range of analytical sensory analysis methods and descriptive panel leadership.
• Efficient in the handling, without leading or biasing, of panel consensus and agreement, and effectively addressing disagreement of attribute definitions, product scores and panelist fatigue.
• Comfortable managing the administrative duties linked to sensory panel activities (scheduling, preparation and facilitation).
• Ability to work independently.
• Previous experience of statistical software to run multivariate analysis and panel performance KPIs analysis.
• High level of competency in sensory‑related software (Compusense, RedJade, or similar platforms preferred).
• Strong client management skills.

Benefits

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