Sensory Panel Leader

Salary range: $65,000 - $75,000 per year

Location:

Cincinnati, Ohio (on-site)

Reporting to:
Consumer & Sensory Research Investigator

As a Sensory Panel Leader, you will lead and inspire internal and external sensory panels to deliver high‑quality, actionable data that drive product and solution development. Champion panel excellence, ensuring sensory results align with business objectives and consumer understanding. Collaborate cross‑regionally and cross‑functionally to uphold best practices in sensory evaluation, data integrity, and panelist experience.

• Recruit, train, motivate, and mentor panelists to ensure data reliability, engagement, and personal development.
• Monitor individual and collective performance, providing feedback and retraining as needed.
• Maintain shared sensory references and lexicons in collaboration with sensory experts.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and dynamic panel environment that balances scientific rigor and human connection.
• Coordinate schedules and workloads effectively with the sensory team.

• Partner with project managers and cross‑functional teams to design and deliver meaningful sensory studies.
• Recommend test designs, timing, and resource use aligned with project priorities.
• Represent the sensory voice in product evaluations and ensure sensory insights are clearly translated into business decisions.

• Plan and allocate sensory lab and panel resources effectively.
• Provide guidance and supervision to technicians or temporary staff.
• Uphold high standards of safety, quality, and documentation.
• Share knowledge and maintain strong collaboration across teams and geographies.

• Ensure accurate collection and organization of sensory data.
• Perform initial analysis and validation; collaborate with senior scientists for deeper statistical work.
• Summarize results in clear, focused reports highlighting key observations and next steps.

• Contribute ideas and practical insights to improve sensory evaluation methods.
• Support implementation of new testing tools, digital solutions, and engagement practices that enhance panel quality and efficiency.

• Secondary/High School degree + 8 years related job experience; or Polytechnic/Associate degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology + 4 years related job experience; or University degree in related field + 2 years job experience; or Masters degree in related field.
• Proven practical experience in sensory science (descriptive, discriminant, quality, or consumer panels).
• Track record of successfully leading and motivating sensory panels.

• Strong knowledge of sensory methodologies and panel dynamics (recruitment, training, motivation, performance tracking).
• Experience planning and executing multiple sensory studies.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of sensory methods and ways of working.
• Familiarity with sensory data capture software (e.g. Compusense) and panel management systems.
• Basic ability to interpret and visualize data; curiosity to explore trends and patterns to guide project teams.
• Comfortable working with samples involving strong tastes and aromas.

• Clear, empathetic communicator able to build trust and engagement within the panel.
• Confident in presenting sensory results and insights to stakeholders in a concise, actionable way.
• Fluent in English; other languages are a plus.

• Competent in using sensory software (e.g. Compusense) and MS Office tools for data capture and reporting.
• Understanding of basic statistical concepts and data reliability; ability to interpret results with support from senior sensory scientists.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage and a high‑matching 401(k) retirement plan.