Sensory Panel Manager

Job Description As a Panel Manager, you will be working onsite at our client’s R&D facility in Clark, New Jersey. You will be the first point of contact for our client’s R&D team, responsible for panel, project and lab management. Pay Range $115,000/year Schedule 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with the option to work from home one day per week. Full‑time with additional hours as needed. Role & Responsibilities 1. Sensory Lab & Operational Management Manage daily operations of the sensory laboratory, ensuring readiness, organization, and compliance. Oversee sample handling, preparation, storage, and disposal according to protocols. Define and maintain reference materials for all attributes of interest. Schedule quarterly partnership reviews. Schedule projects with panel and create session plans according to client priorities. Inform the client of any project issues promptly. Ensure timely scheduling and execution of all sensory sessions to meet turnaround times. Present partnership updates and progress, including reporting on panel activities, performance and KPIs. 2. Panel Management & Performance Lead panel recruitment, onboarding, training, and calibration. Train panel coordinators on the client’s ways of working. Monitor panel performance using defined indicators such as discrimination ability, repeatability, and attendance. Oversee and communicate monthly hours of employment to the client to track budget. Act as point of contact for all panelists, including weekly communication on schedule and hours worked. Maintain high levels of engagement and motivation through structured feedback. Address panelist performance or conduct issues promptly and professionally. 3. Sensory Study Execution Implement sensory studies according to approved methodologies and research plans. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure proper study setup and execution. Create annual validation training and reports for each product category. Quality‑check sensory data. Run panel sessions, including training and data collection. Create online questionnaires using FIZZ. Monitor panel performance and notify the client of any issues. Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and reliability before analysis. Support interpretation and discussion of results with the client’s sensory team. 4. Team Leadership & Development Lead, coach, and support Panel Leaders and Technicians. Coordinate daily task allocation and workload management. Support onboarding and training of new team members. Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement within the lab team. 5. Continuous Improvement & Sustainability Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality. Contribute to the standardization and optimization of onsite sensory processes. Qualifications BS in Food Science, Biology, Cosmetic Science, Psychology, Marketing, or related field with at least 5 years of industry experience. Strong sensory science expertise, including experience in technical product testing, descriptive panel leadership, and sensory training. Solid understanding of sensory testing methodologies and statistics applied to sensory data. Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally to support business objectives through high‑quality sensory insights. Strong organizational and project management skills to manage panel dynamics. Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in a fast‑paced, changing environment. Ability to maintain panel objectivity and discipline, with performance consistency. Strong leadership and communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and sensory software such as FIZZ, Compusense, or similar tools. Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail. Ability to adapt to changes in real‑time and meet timelines. Confident communicator in English, both spoken and written. Open‑minded, easy to connect with, and creative mindset. Agile mindset and problem‑solving attitude. Willingness and ability to work onsite at the client’s facility in Clark, NJ. Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship. Additional Preferences Experience working in the cosmetics or personal care industry. Completion of the UC Davis Sensory and Consumer Science Certification. Demonstrated people‑management experience, including coaching, developing, and leading sensory panel teams or technical staff. Benefits Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. Life and disability insurance. 401(k) with company match. Paid vacation and holidays. Equal Employment Opportunity Eurofins USA Food Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Eurofins US Food, Feed, & Supplement Testing