Sensory Panel Testing Specialist

Nestlé S.A.; Solon (OH); On-site; USD 67,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

Healthcare coverage

Job summary

Nestlé USA in Ohio is seeking a Sensory Panel Testing Specialist to lead descriptive sensory studies and translate results into actionable business insights within our global sensory network.

You will manage trained sensory panelists, calibrate references, oversee data collection, and perform statistical analyses, communicating findings to cross-functional teams. This role supports global standards and sensory initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, or related field.
• Experience with quantitative sensory descriptive analysis methods.
• Experience training and moderating descriptive sensory panels.
• Experience with univariate and multivariate sensory analyses.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead sensory panel management and training activities.
• Design and calibrate sensory references and glossaries.
• Oversee data collection and quality checks of sensory data.
• Perform univariate and multivariate analyses of sensory data.
• Translate findings into actionable business insights and recommendations.
• Collaborate with Sensory & Product Experience Specialists.

Skills

Sensory panel mgmt

Descriptive sensory

Statistical analysis

Data analysis software

Education

Master’s degree in Food Science or Sensory Science

Tools

Statistical software

Sensory data collection tools

Job description

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.
At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.
This position is eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

JOB SUMMARY:

Lead and provide support for all sensory testing activities. Responsible for leading descriptive trained panel and end-to-end sensory tests applying strong sensory science principles. Translate data into sensory insights and actionable business recommendations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Sensory Panel Testing Specialist will be responsible for managing trained sensory panelists and leading sensory studies with support from Sensory & Product Experience Specialists and Technicians. This will include onboarding and managing sensory trained panels, monitoring panel performance, developing sensory glossaries, overseeing data collection, and completing quality checks on quantitative sensory data by applying sound statistical methods. This position is also responsible for basic statistical analyses and translation of sensory results into actionable business recommendations. Moreover, the Sensory Specialist leads local sensory initiatives and supports the implementation of sensory standards.

Management and training of sensory panels

• Support screening and recruitment of sensory panelists.
• Onboard, develop, train, and maintain descriptive sensory panels.
• Ensure panel calibration, consistency, and readiness to support business needs.
• Design sensory references and training materials to support descriptive panel development and calibration activities. Manage sensory reference database required for panel training and testing sessions.
• Effectively plan and execute sensory training and calibration sessions
• Monitor panel performance, identify gaps, and implement appropriate actions to maintain high-quality sensory data following sensory science principles.
• Support maintenance and documentation of sensory panel resource utilization records in collaboration with external agencies and Sensory Lab Coordinator.

Lead Sensory Studies

• Manage sensory studies end-to-end, including stakeholder management, sensory test design alignment to meet business needs, internal team coordination, data collection oversight, sensory data analysis, and impactful communication of results tailored to different audiences.
• Partner with Sensory & Product Experience Specialists to select and apply the most appropriate sensory methodologies to address business needs.
• Organize and lead descriptive sensory panel sessions with excellence applying robust sensory science principles to minimize biases.
• Design and conduct sensory panel training and calibration programs.
• Create, maintain, and deploy sensory references to support training and testing activities.
• Manage sensory methodology, data analysis, and reporting of shelf‑life studies with minimal supervision.
• Perform univariate and multivariate statistical analysis of sensory data demonstrating solid technical understanding of the principles behind the methods being applied.
• Translate technical findings into actionable business insights and recommendations, with an emphasis on visual, impactful storytelling for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Support the development and deployment of sensory specifications for new products.

Support Best Practices

• Participate in local and global sensory initiatives to advance sensory methodologies, tools, and ways of working.
• Lead sensory initiatives at local and global product category level.
• Contribute to global sensory & product experience network initiatives.
• Develop and manage global sensory glossaries and sample preparation protocols in alignment with company standards.
• Coach Associate Specialists, Technicians, and cross-functional team members on sensory best practices.
• Design and deliver training programs for technical and non‑technical audiences on sensory science and its application to product development, manufacturing, quality, and marketing.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of sensory methodologies, processes, and laboratory practices.
• Support implementation of sensory standards, tools, and best practices.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Experience, and Knowledge):

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Food Science, Sensory Science, or related field.
• Solid experience in quantitative sensory descriptive analysis methods.
• Experience in quantitative descriptive panel training and moderation.
• Experience with a variety of univariate and multivariate sensory statistical analyses.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong computer skills: MS-Office (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook). Sensory data collection and statistical software.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Able to work well in a team environment.
• Flexible work hours, as required by the business.

Salary:$66,744.00 to$90,183.00 per year

Bonus Eligibility:Yes

Thepay rangeprovided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is eligible for Visa Sponsorship.