The Role
Manage on-site sensory panel operations for a CPG client: plan and grow panels, lead descriptive analysis sessions, monitor panel performance and KPIs, manage inventory and one direct report, recommend methods and maintain client relationships.
Summary Generated by Built In
Are you a Sensory Scientist looking to move into a management position? 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.
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
As a Sensory Panel Manager you will be responsible for managing the client relationship, acting as a key point of contact, and taking ownership of the sensory panel activities and strategy.
👨🏫 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.
📝 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.
✅ 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).
👨🏫 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.
📝 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.
✅ 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.
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
- 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.
- Experience using statistical software to run multivariate analysis and panel performance KPI analysis.
- High level of competency in sensory-related software.
- Familiarity with Compusense or RedJade (or similar platforms).
- Ability to handle panel consensus, address disagreements, and manage panelist fatigue without biasing results.
- Comfortable managing administrative duties linked to sensory panel activities (scheduling, preparation, facilitation).
- Strong client management skills and ability to act as primary client contact.
- Ability to work independently and manage one direct report (Sensory Panel Leader).
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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.
