Sensory Panel Testing Specialist

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.

At Nestlé USA, we're all working towards the same goal - to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity - and responsibility - to be there for every moment in our consumers' lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.

_This position is eligible for Visa Sponsorship._

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* JOB SUMMARY:

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* Lead and provide support for all sensory testing activities. Responsible for leading descriptive trained panel and end-to-end sensory tests applying strong sensory science principles.  Translate data into sensory insights and actionable business recommendations.

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* PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

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* The Sensory Panel Testing Specialist will be responsible for managing trained sensory panelists and leading sensory studies with support from Sensory & Product Experience Specialists and Technicians. This will include onboarding and managing sensory trained panels, monitoring panel performance, developing sensory glossaries, overseeing data collection, and completing quality checks on quantitative sensory data by applying sound statistical methods. This position is also responsible for basic statistical analyses and translation of sensory results into actionable business recommendations.

Moreover, the Sensory Specialist leads local sensory initiatives and supports the implementation of sensory standards.

_Management and training of sensory panels_

+ Support screening and recruitment of sensory panelists.

+ Onboard, develop, train, and maintain descriptive sensory panels.

+ Ensure panel calibration, consistency, and readiness to support business needs.

+ Design sensory references and training materials to support descriptive panel development and calibration activities. Manage sensory reference database required for panel training and testing sessions.

+ Effectively plan and execute sensory training and calibration sessions

+ Monitor panel performance, identify gaps, and implement appropriate actions to maintain high-quality sensory data following sensory science principles.

+ Support maintenance and documentation of sensory panel resource utilization records in collaboration with external agencies and Sensory Lab Coordinator.

_Lead Sensory Studies_

+ Manage sensory studies end-to-end, including stakeholder management, sensory test design alignment to meet business needs, internal team coordination, data collection oversight, sensory data analysis, and impactful communication of results tailored to different audiences.

+ Partner with Sensory & Product Experience Specialists to select and apply the most appropriate sensory methodologies to address business needs.

+ Organize and lead descriptive sensory panel sessions with excellence applying robust sensory science principles to minimize biases.

+ Design and conduct sensory panel training and calibration programs.

+ Create, maintain, and deploy sensory references to support training and testing activities.

+ Manage sensory methodology, data analysis, and reporting of shelf-life studies with minimal supervision.

+ Perform univariate and multivariate statistical analysis of sensory data demonstrating solid technical understanding of the principles behind the methods being applied.

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