Sensory Panel Manager

Mmr Research; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Generous holiday allowances

Market-leading training opportunities

Job summary

A leading research firm in Virginia is seeking a Sensory Panel Manager to oversee sensory panel operations and ensure the delivery of high-quality insights. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Food Science and at least 4-5 years of industry experience. Strong leadership and client management skills are essential, alongside proficiency in statistical software. This full-time position offers a competitive salary of $90,000/year and benefits such as generous holiday allowances and training opportunities.

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of industry experience required.
• Experience in analytical sensory analysis methods essential.
• Ability to handle panel consensus without bias.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead the Descriptive Analysis panel.
• Monitor panel performance against client KPIs.
• Manage lab inventory linked to sensory panel activities.

Skills

Analytical sensory analysis methods

Client management skills

Panel leadership

Statistical software proficiency

Food Science knowledge

Education

Degree in Food Science or related field

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.