Sensory Panel Manager

✅ Passionate about turning consumer insights into business impact?

✅ Ready to lead client relationships and unlock new opportunities?

✅ Want a multicultural working environment with fantastic colleagues?

..... SAM has the perfect opportunity!

Who we are

SAM Sensory and Consumer Research is the leading international sensory and consumer research company specializing in food, beverages, cosmetics, personal care, and other consumer products. We have 19 proprietary state-of-the-art facilities across France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, United Kingdom, Morocco, China and the USA, and cover more than 65 countries through our network of approved partners.

SAM provides tailor-made solutions, delivering actionable guidelines to make our clients’ brands and products memorable.

SAM is a great place to work

Join SAM to work with the most competent, creative, and fun team in the industry and let your work, opinions and ideas contribute to the future of sensory and consumer research.

Become your most extraordinary self with support and development throughout your career.

Best in class

Join our very diverse team of sensory scientists, food technologists, statisticians, psychologists, sociologists, strategic thinkers, marketeers, field managers, technicians and other sensory and research experienced colleagues.

We're proud to be part of the Eurofins Group

World-leader in Testing for Life. With about 61 000 employees, Eurofins is a global leader in testing services and over the last 20 years has been one of the fastest growing companies in the world, thanks to its innovation in technology and service.

Job Summary:

The Sensory Research Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all sensory research activities to ensure high-quality results and client satisfaction. This role involves designing and managing sensory studies, maintaining strong communication with clients, and driving new business opportunities to support company growth. The manager will coordinate internal workflows, ensuring seamless collaboration with Panel Leaders and Technician, and will actively influence and motivate sensory panelists to deliver accurate and reliable data.

This position reports directly to the Sensory & Consumer Research Client Service Director and requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, capable of balancing client needs with internal team performance to achieve outstanding outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Key Account Manager for designated clients, building strong relationships and serving as the primary point of contact throughout the project lifecycle
• Lead the design, management, and delivery of sensory research projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and business strategy
• Independently manage end‑to‑end delivery of complex studies, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards
• Recommend appropriate methodologies and research approaches, preparing costings and proposals for ad hoc and complex studies
• Drive business development and account growth by identifying opportunities and presenting tailored, value‑adding solutions to clients
• Negotiate project specifications, contracts, and budgets, managing technical, methodological, and financial requirements
• Deliver clear, actionable insights through high‑quality reporting, storytelling, and presentation of results with recommendations
• Provide senior‑level support on key accounts and complex projects, proactively managing risks and ensuring client satisfaction
• Lead, coach, and develop Panel Leaders, Technicians, and sensory panelists, ensuring capability, engagement, and consistent quality
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams (Data Solutions Hub, operations, field teams) to ensure seamless delivery, data integrity, and revenue awareness

Candidate profile

• Minimum 5 years of higher education with knowledge in market research and/or sensory research.
• Experience in market research or sensory research.
• Knowledge of food and/or cosmetic products, quantitative and qualitative consumer research methodologies, sensory methodologies, and statistics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Soft skills such as: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Critical Thinking, Leadership, and Time Management.
• Rigorous, responsive, and proactive approach to work.
• Strong organizational and planning skills to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.