Sensory Panel Leader (6 month contract)

Do you want to work for a global and growing Sensory and Consumer research company? Then join MMR as a Sensory Panel Leader!

MMR is a global leader in guiding innovation for clients within the food, drink and personal care sectors. We advise many iconic global brands, as well as up-and-coming innovators. Our culture is vibrant, fast paced, yet friendly and supportive. Our work practices embody both scientific rigor and creative drive, leading to innovation in research methods and techniques to facilitate our clients’ creative business thinking.

This is an exciting role where the Sensory Panel Leader will manage an Analytical Sensory function for one of MMR’s clients. As such, the Panel Leader will be on-site at the client’s facility full-time.

Primary responsibilities will be:

• Lead Descriptive Analysis panels
• Plan, schedule and administrate all aspects of Descriptive Panel work
• Manage panel performance, monitor ability of panel to deliver client KPIs
• Plan for panel growth, maintenance and panelist replacement
• Recommend methods to address questions and objectives, act as internal consultant to client Sensory team on research design
• Interact with client Sensory Team to ensure panels are meeting company goals
• Analyzing data, writing preliminary reports
• In the long term, ensure global alignment of sensory methods between panels in different countries.

You will work collaboratively with the local sensory team and MMR HR team to regularly recruit and train new panelists to ensure that panel numbers are at the required level. Accomplished client management skills are essential as this position will be based at the client’s sensory facility in Pittsburgh.

Requirements

Essential Skills

• BS in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or related field with at least 3 years of industry experience
• Sensory Expertise – sound knowledge and experience in a range of analytical sensory analysis methods applied to food & beverage categories, and descriptive panel leadership and supervisory role in sensory team
• Sensory Moderation – efficiently handling, without leading or biasing, of panel consensus and agreement, and effectively addressing disagreement of attribute definitions, product scores and panelist fatigue
• Manage the administrative duties linked to sensory panel activities, schedule, prepare and facilitate sensory panel sessions
• Manage lab inventory of consumables, references and products
• Monitor sensory panel performances and organizing training according to panel needs
• Project Management Skills
• Ability to work independently
• Analysis and Interpretation (previous experience of statistical softwares to run multivariate analysis and panel performance KPIs analysis)
• High level of competency in sensory related software for preparation of tasting sessions, data collection and analysis (experience in Compusense would be beneficial)

Benefits

Here at MMR, we are about building a workplace for the future. We believe in equal opportunities and celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves.

Our benefits are some of the best in the industry, we can share them with you if you want to know more. Our focus is not just on the expected benefits such as pensions and bonus schemes but the wellbeing of our employees. We've taken great strides to ensure that we support you to remain happy and healthy during your time with us.