Sensory Panel Testing Specialist

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.

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.
• Translate technical findings into actionable business insights and recommendations, with an emphasis on visual, impactful storytelling for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support the development and deployment of sensory specifications for new products.

Support Best Practices

• Participate in local and global sensory initiatives to advance sensory methodologies, tools, and ways of working.
• Lead sensory initiatives at local and global product category level.
• Contribute to global sensory & product experience network initiatives.
• Develop and manage global sensory glossaries and sample preparation protocols in alignment with company standards.
• Coach Associate Specialists, Technicians, and cross-functional team members on sensory best practices.
• Design and deliver training programs for technical and non-technical audiences on sensory science and its application to product development, manufacturing, quality, and marketing.
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