Senior Sensory Panel Leader

Department: Sensory

Location: Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Description

Do you want to work for a global and growing Sensory and Consumer research agency? We are currently looking for a Senior Sensory Panel Leader to join us on our client site in Illinois.

The Senior Sensory Panel Leader will oversee the analytical sensory program for a key client, ensuring the delivery of high-quality sensory insights, effective panel operations, and strong client relationships. This role is pivotal in supporting innovation and maintaining scientific rigor for both MMR and its clients.

You will work collaboratively with the local sensory team and MMR HR team to regularly recruit and train new panellists to ensure that panel numbers are at the required level. Accomplished client management skills are essential. This position will be based at the client’s sensory facility in Hoffman Estates, IL.

Key Responsibilities

🔍 Lead Descriptive Analysis panels

📅 Plan, schedule and administrate all aspects of Descriptive Panel work

📊 Manage panel performance, monitor ability of panel to deliver client KPI

🌱 Plan for panel growth, maintenance and panelist replacement

💡 Recommend methods to address questions and objectives, act as internal consultant to client Sensory team on research design, collaborating with Global sensory teams to ensure alignment

🤝 Interact with client Sensory Team to ensure panels are meeting company goals

📝 Analyzing data, writing report

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Education in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or related field with at least 3 years of industry experience
• Sensory Expertise – sound knowledge and experience in a range of analytical sensory analysis methods applied to food & beverage categories, and descriptive panel leadership and supervisory role in sensory team
• Sensory Moderation – efficiently handling, without leading or biasing, of panel consensus and agreement, and effectively addressing disagreement of attribute definitions, product scores and panelist fatigue
• Spectrum Method knowledge and skills, a plus.
• In collaboration with another Panel Manager: Manage the administrative duties linked to sensory panel activities, schedule, prepare and facilitate sensory panel sessions
• Monitor sensory panel performances and organizing training according to panel needs
• Analysis and Interpretation (previous experience of statistical softwares to run multivariate analysis and panel performance KPIs analysis)
• High level of competency in sensory-related software for session preparation, data collection, dashboard use, and analysis (experience in Compusense or similar platforms preferred).
• Demonstrate strong client management skills by building effective relationships, proactively communicating project status, understanding client objectives, and presenting sensory results and recommendations clearly.

A bit about us and our benefits!

MMR is the place where sensory science meets exciting, powerful commercial application, from branding and innovation to product development and retail strategy. We partner with over 50% of the top 100 global food and drink brands.

We were founded on the belief that successful products, those that really deliver on their brand promise, are built from the perfect blend of sensory science and consumer insight. We help clients to achieve this, right across the globe with offices in London New York, Shanghai and everywhere in between.

It’s our people that make all of this possible.

We are proud of our collaborative culture which is driven by strong leadership and offers industry-leading training and growth opportunities.

At MMR, we're committed to ensuring the happiness and well-being of each employee, regardless of where they are in the world!

We offer a wide range of core and additional benefits. Competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and market-leading training opportunities are standard here. Our vibrant culture, talented team, and focus on employee wellbeing is what makes MMR so special.