Pay Range: $115k/Yr.

Shift: Full-Time (Additional hours as needed).

As a Panel Manager, you will be working onsite at our client’s R&D facility in Clark, New Jersey. As the first point of contact for our client’s R&D team, you will be responsible for panel, project and lab management.

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 priorities from the client
Inform the client as soon as possible if there are any issues with the project, products, materials, etc.
Ensure timely scheduling and execution of all sensory sessions to meet agreed turnaround times.
Present partnership updates and progress to date, including reporting on panel activities, panel performance and other KPIs

2. Panel Management & Performance

Lead panel recruitment, onboarding, training, and calibration.
Train panel coordinators on the clients ways of working
Monitor panel performance using defined indicators (e.g., discrimination ability, repeatability, attendance).
Oversee and communicate monthly hours of employment of panel coordinator and panelists to the client, to track budget
Point of contact for all panelists (including weekly communication on panel schedule and hours worked)
Maintain high levels of panelist engagement and motivation through structured feedback.
Address panelist performance or conduct issues in a timely and professional manner.

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 of the product categories
Quality check sensory data
Run the panel sessions, including training the panel and collecting the data
Create online questionnaires using FIZZ
Regularly monitor panel performance, notify the client team of any issues regarding performance or variability in the data
Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and reliability prior to analysis and reporting.
Support interpretation and discussion of results with the client’s sensory team as needed.

4. Team Leadership & Development

Lead, coach, and support Panel Leaders and Technicians.
Coordinate daily task allocation and workload management.
Support onboarding and training 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 of sensory operations.
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.
Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage panel dynamics and multiple operational activities simultaneously.
Ability to maintain panel objectivity and discipline, and 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.

Additional Information

Shift: Full-Time (Additional hours as needed).

What we offer:

Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
Life and disability insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid vacation and holidays

Eurofins USA Food Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.