Sensory Panel Manager

Do you want to work for a global and growing Sensory and Consumer research company? Would you love the opportunity to work on-site at Mars Wrigley’s Consumer Innovation Centre as a Sensory Panel Manager? If so, let’s talk!

MMR is a global leader in guiding innovation for clients within the food, drink and personal care sectors. We advise many iconic global brands, as well as up-and-coming innovators. Our culture is vibrant, fast paced, yet friendly and supportive. Our work practices embody both scientific rigor and creative drive, leading to innovation in research methods and techniques to facilitate our clients’ creative business thinking.

We are looking for a Sensory Panel Manager to join MMR’s passionate and vibrant team working in Mars Wrigley’s Consumer Innovation Center in Chicago, running exciting consumer and sensory projects to help our clients innovate in the food and beverages category.

This is an exciting role where the Sensory Panel Manager will have prime responsibility for managing our client dedicated descriptive and discrimination panels. Other responsibilities include being the line manager for our sensory panel leaders and technicians, leading the client’s sensory projects through completion; from initial briefing to analyzing data, and ensuring that the research design, panel session planning and leadership, sensory moderation, panel performance analysis and monitoring to fulfil our clients’ needs and fit their KPIs. There will also be opportunities to connect with the client global sensory panel team to discuss and align on best practices.

You will work collaboratively with the local sensory team and HR team to regularly recruit and train new panelists to ensure that panel numbers are at the required level. This role also requires working closely with the client’s internal sensory scientists – accomplished client management skills are essential.

Requirements

Essential Skills

• BS in Sensory, Cosmetic Science, Psychology, Marketing or related field with at least 2 years of industry experience
• Sensory Moderation experience – efficiently handling, without leading or biasing, of panel consensus and agreement, and effectively addressing disagreement of attribute definitions, product scores and panelist fatigue
• Liaise with the client on a weekly basis to ensure the scheduling of sensory projects is done as per business priorities
• Manage the Sensory Panel Coodinator, and ensure they are fully proficient in the preparation and facilitation of the sensory panel(s) and product management Leadership, team building and motivational skills
• Project Design
• Project Management
• Ability to work independently
• Self-management
• Analysis and Interpretation
• High level of IT competency (experience in EyeQuestion would be beneficial)

Benefits

Here at MMR, we are about building a workplace for the future. We believe in equal opportunities and celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves.

MMR Research Worldwide is an Equal Opportunities Employer.