Sensory Panel Leader

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the sensory panel and lead panel sessions on clients’ projects, ensuring smooth delivery of sensory research and delivering high quality descriptive analysis data.
• Direct the Sensory Panel Assistant to safeguard the full proficiency of the preparation and facilitation of the sensory panel(s) and product management.
• Recruit and train new panelists.
• Collect and analyze panel monitoring data on each project and provide relevant feedback and one-to-one reviews with sensory panelists to maximize data quality, panel engagement, and motivation.
• Brief and liaise with colleagues from the sensory team and other departments, and create the relevant documentation/materials, to ensure accurate and timely execution of the research.
• Create schedules (timing, briefings, etc.) and coordinate all aspects of each project.
• Assist with product preparation and serve as required.
• Ensure that clients are kept up to date with project progress, and sign off on relevant documentation.
• Support with report delivery, including protocols, methodologies, lexicons, inventory tracking, chart creation, and interpretation.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 2-3 years sensory panel leading experience, including descriptive analysis.
• A Bachelor's degree, ideally in a relevant field, such as Food Science, Sensory Science, Experimental Psychology, and Sociology.
• IT literate with experience of sensory data capture software beneficial.
• A self-manager - able to switch between tasks according to business needs and changing priorities.
• A strong communicator - keeping US sensory team members informed of possible issues and being prepared to speak up about your ideas.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills and ability to multi-task.
• A strong team player - able to maintain open and honest relationships with colleagues and clients, building trust and confidence, and able to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• A self-starter who likes to take initiatives and demonstrates flexibility in a dynamic environment with a natural passion for seeking out the most effective and efficient ways of working.
• A passion for working in sensory!
• Great attention to detail - should be able to check own work and others' work for inconsistencies and take the necessary action to rectify any errors/problems.