Sensory Panel Leader

We are looking for a sensory panel leader who will be responsible for the preparation and execution of sensory (taste, flavour and texture) tests according to good sensory practice. If you are someone who enjoys coordinating activities of specific panels, introduce new methods, monitor the quality and practically preparing sensory tests ensuring timely delivery of results then this role is for you.

Ce que nous demandons

• You have experience as a Sensory panel leader (2 years).
• You are knowledgeable and trained on a wide range of Sensory Methods.
• You are experienced with Sensory Software (EyeQuestion/ EyeOpeneR).
• You are passionate about statistics & data analysis.
• You have sensometrics knowledge to be able to analyse panel data for training purposes and basic reports for sensory analysts.
• You aree detail-oriented and organized, with a strong sense of hygiene and accuracy.
• You are comfortable working in a structured environment with repetitive tasks.
• You are pro-active & enthusiastic; a reliable team player; have a positive attitude towards panelists and able to create a positive atmosphere among colleagues with diverse personalities.
• You are able to work in multidisciplinary project teams, and pro-actively connect with other related disciplines.
• You have good communication skills, it is required to speak Dutch.

Ce que nous offrons

• Unique company culture of Dutch heritage and international presence.
• We offer great work life balance, and competitive salary & benefits package. Competitive pension scheme, holiday allowance of 8% and flexible working hours.
• Diverse training and mentoring programs to help you grow on your own professional journey.
• A friendly and informal working environment, yet professional team members as sparring partners.
• An inspiring and multi-cultural work environment in our Innovation Centre.

Description du poste vacant

Recruit, train, maintain and monitor a group of Sensory Panel members:

• Liaise with HR and third party agency to screen and recruit sensory panel members.
• Organize training sessions on relevant sensory methodologies in consultation with respective sensory developer or cluster leader.
• Monitor individual performance of sensory panel and provide relevant feedback in order to maximize data quality, sensory panel engagement and motivation.

Plan and Organize Sensory Test:

• Plan and schedule sensory tests, aligned with respective sensory developer / Sensory Cluster Leader.
• Liaise with test requestor to organize sample availability/delivery.
• Update test schedule, test information and result in agreed platform.
• Work closely together with Sensory Panel leaders/assistants/students in test preparation and execution.
• Execute Sensory Testing, on time in full, according to agreed plan. Instruct relevant assistant and monitor the quality of products/samples. Ensure the right test procedure/ serving instruction is followed and ensure appropriate records are maintained.

Consistently deliver high quality sensory data:

• Understand the research questions and align with the test requestor on expected deliverables and timing.
• Organize trainings on relevant sensory methodology in consultation with respective sensory developer/ cluster leader.
• Ensure that for each request/project the key sensory attributes are covered and sensory test result answers the key research objectives.
• Train and maintain at least 1 panel of 16 highly motivated panel-members. Initiate timely new recruitment (in consultation with Cluster Leader) of new panel members.

Being a proactive member of panel leader community:

• Work on new techniques/ improving existing methods.
• Implement new sensory test methods.
• Review, assess and provide feedback on new or existing sensory protocol/guideline.
• Organize simple research/studies as part of protocol review/creation.
• Act as a team player with a positive, can‑do attitude.

Détails de l'équipe

You will be part of the R&D Product & Taste team of about 40 R&D colleagues in the Innovation Centre of Wageningen and Development Centre of Singapore. R&D Product & Taste is an expert team that combines expertise on sensory and consumer behaviour with deep understanding of food physics & chemistry.

The Sensory Panel team’s objective is to deliver high quality and trustworthy sensory data, useable for validation of (new) product development within FrieslandCampina’s various business pillars. This product validation, together with actively listening and decoding the voice of the consumer and customer, enables FrieslandCampina to design the optimal sensory product experience that fits the needs of the intended user.