Sensory Panel Manager

Job Description

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

$115,000/year

7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with the option to work from home one day per week. Full‑time with additional hours as needed.

• 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 client priorities.
• Inform the client of any project issues promptly.
• Ensure timely scheduling and execution of all sensory sessions to meet turnaround times.
• Present partnership updates and progress, including reporting on panel activities, performance and KPIs.

• Lead panel recruitment, onboarding, training, and calibration.
• Train panel coordinators on the client’s ways of working.
• Monitor panel performance using defined indicators such as discrimination ability, repeatability, and attendance.
• Oversee and communicate monthly hours of employment to the client to track budget.
• Act as point of contact for all panelists, including weekly communication on schedule and hours worked.
• Maintain high levels of engagement and motivation through structured feedback.
• Address panelist performance or conduct issues promptly and professionally.

• 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 product category.
• Quality‑check sensory data.
• Run panel sessions, including training and data collection.
• Create online questionnaires using FIZZ.
• Monitor panel performance and notify the client of any issues.
• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and reliability before analysis.
• Support interpretation and discussion of results with the client’s sensory team.

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

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

• 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 fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Ability to maintain panel objectivity and discipline, with 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 client’s facility in Clark, NJ.
• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship.

• 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.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 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.