The Role
Lead and manage an expert sensory panel, run descriptive analysis sessions, recruit and train panelists, collect and analyze panel monitoring data, coordinate project logistics and documentation, assist with product preparation and report delivery, and liaise with clients and cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality sensory research.
Summary Generated by Built In
Looking to grow and develop your career and skills in Sensory Research? Then this may be the opportunity you are looking for... We're searching for a full time Sensory Panel Leader to build their career here at MMR Research Worldwide!
MMR Research Worldwide has big plans for our US operation, and we’re looking for a proactive and ambitious individual to join our growing sensory team as a Sensory Panel Manager based in our facility in Pleasantville, New York.
This role will combine the panel leadership of our expert sensory panel, alongside aspects of project management. You will be responsible for delivering sensory projects from leading panel sessions to assisting with report writing, ensuring that the research design, panel session planning, leadership, and sensory moderation, fulfil clients’ needs. This varied role will allow you to develop your skillset in a host of different areas.
Key Responsibilities
Panel Leadership
- 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, and panel engagement and motivation.
Project Management
- 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.
- Draw up schedules (timing, briefings, etc.) and coordinate all aspects of each project.
- Assist with product preparation and serving 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.
Promote a positive and pleasant working environment for all at MMR!
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.
- 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.
A bit about us and our benefits!
We’re MMR Research Worldwide – the global sensory and consumer research experts behind many of the world’s biggest brands in food, drink, personal and household care. From bold new flavours to breakthrough product experiences, we help turn great ideas into products people truly love.
With teams across the UK, US, Asia and Africa, we blend science, creativity and curiosity to shape the future of everyday products. Join us and you’ll be part of a fast-growing, innovative company where your ideas matter and your career can thrive.
It’s our people that make all of this possible.
We are proud of our collaborative culture which is driven by strong leadership and offers industry-leading training and growth opportunities.
At MMR, we're committed to ensuring the happiness and well-being of each employee, regardless of where they are in the world! We offer a wide range of core and additional benefits. Competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and market-leading training opportunities are standard here. Our vibrant culture, talented team, and focus on employee wellbeing is what makes MMR so special.
About
We specialize in delivering innovative solutions and exceptional services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. With a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we strive to exceed expectations and drive success in every project we undertake.
Skills Required
- 2-3 years sensory panel leading experience, including descriptive analysis
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Experimental Psychology, Sociology, or related field
- IT literate
- Experience with sensory data capture software
- Experience recruiting and training panelists
- Ability to collect, analyze, and provide feedback on panel monitoring data
- Project management skills, including scheduling, documentation, and cross-team liaison
- Strong communication skills
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills; ability to multi-task
- Team player, self-starter, flexible and proactive
- High attention to detail
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The Company
What We Do
With unrivaled experience across food and drink, household and personal care and beyond, we design qualitative and quantitative solutions that address your business issues - fueling creativity to create products and brands that people love. Our heartland is the interface between brand, pack and product, leveraging the power of the human senses to create more engaging propositions. Get in touch with your local team to find out how we can turn your brand promise into a reality.
