Sensory Panel Manager

Pay Range: $115k/Yr.

Shift: Full-Time (Additional hours as needed).

As a Panel Manager you will be working onsite at our clients R&D facility in Clark New Jersey. As the first point of contact for our clients R&D team you will be responsible for panel project and lab management.

Role & Responsibilities:

1. Sensory Lab & Operational Management

• Manage daily operations of the sensory laboratory ensuring readiness organization and compliance.
• Oversee sample handling preparation storage and disposal according to protocols.
• Define and maintain reference materials for all attributes of interest
• Schedule quarterly partnership reviews
• Schedule projects with panel and create session plans according to priorities from the client
• Inform the client as soon as possible if there are any issues with the project products materials etc.
• Ensure timely scheduling and execution of all sensory sessions to meet agreed turnaround times.
• Present partnership updates and progress to date including reporting on panel activities panel performance and other KPIs

2. Panel Management & Performance

• Lead panel recruitment onboarding training and calibration.
• Train panel coordinators on the clients ways of working
• Monitor panel performance using defined indicators (e.g. discrimination ability repeatability attendance).
• Oversee and communicate monthly hours of employment of panel coordinator and panelists to the client to track budget
• Point of contact for all panelists (including weekly communication on panel schedule and hours worked)
• Maintain high levels of panelist engagement and motivation through structured feedback.
• Address panelist performance or conduct issues in a timely and professional manner.

3. Sensory Study Execution

• Implement sensory studies according to approved methodologies and research plans.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure proper study setup and execution.
• Create annual validation training and reports for each of the product categories
• Quality check sensory data
• Run the panel sessions including training the panel and collecting the data
• Create online questionnaires using FIZZ
• Regularly monitor panel performance notify the client team of any issues regarding performance or variability in the data
• Ensure data accuracy consistency and reliability prior to analysis and reporting.
• Support interpretation and discussion of results with the clients sensory team as needed.

4. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead coach and support Panel Leaders and Technicians.
• Coordinate daily task allocation and workload management.
• Support onboarding and training new team members.
• Foster a culture of quality accountability and continuous improvement within the lab team.

5. Continuous Improvement & Sustainability

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency consistency and quality of sensory operations.
• Contribute to the standardization and optimization of onsite sensory processes.

Qualifications :

• BS in Food Science Biology Cosmetic Science Psychology Marketing or related field with at least 5 years of industry experience
• Strong sensory science expertise including experience in technical product testing descriptive panel leadership and sensory training.
• Solid understanding of sensory testing methodologies and statistics applied to sensory data.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally to support business objectives through high quality sensory insights
• Strong organizational and project management skills to manage panel dynamics
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in a fastpaced changing environment.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage panel dynamics and multiple operational activities simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain panel objectivity and discipline and performance consistency
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and sensory software such as FIZZ Compusense or similar tools.
• Strong Analytical skills and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to adapt to changes in real-time and meet timelines.
• Confident communicator in English both spoken and written.
• Open-minded easy to connect with and creative mindset.
• Agile mindset and problem-solving attitude.
• Willingness and ability to work onsite at the clients facility in Clark NJ.
• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship.

Additional qualifications:

• Experience working in the cosmetics or personal care industry
• Completion of the UC Davis Sensory and Consumer Science Certification
• Demonstrated people-management experience including coaching developing and leading sensory panel teams or technical staff.

Additional Information :

Shift: Full-Time (Additional hours as needed).

What we offer:

• Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage dental and vision options
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays

Eurofins USA Food Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time