Sensory Manager

About this role

Innovate Solutions is seeking a Sensory Manager, a truly unique and exciting position. In this role you will be responsible for managing a robust sensory program on site at a key client of ours based in Dublin City. The role is centred on providing sensory research services to sustain, improve and develop quality alcoholic & non-alcohol beverage products. The ideal candidate will have qualifications and hands-on experience in beverage & food sensory research, as well as the management and training of a sensory panel.

Salary

Starting from €65,000, subject to level of experience and qualification

About us

Innovate Solutions was established in 1998 and is now Ireland’s leading provider of independent consumer research and sensory assessment services, specialising in food and beverage consumer products. We have long-running relationships with clients that include large multinationals through to small scale family run businesses. It is an exciting time to join the dynamic team at Innovate Solutions!

In this role

You will be responsible for the execution of established protocols in standard descriptive and discrimination methods, you should be experienced in sensory statistical data analysis, interpretation and reporting. You will be responsible for the recruitment, training, managing and motivation of a team of tasting panellists. The ideal candidate will have an unwavering commitment to all things sensory, a strong attention to detail, ability to work with and manage people while delivering to a high standard with minimal oversight. Your team will include will be experienced sensory technicians, a Scientific Advisory Board and a HR, finance and administrative department.

This position is based on site of a key client in Dublin City, Ireland. Normal working hours apply, Monday – Friday, 9am-5.30pm with some WFH flexibility.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• A relevant 3rd level qualification, this would include Behavioural Science (experimental psychology/psychophysics), Consumer Science, Market Research, Food Technology, Food Science along with strong practical experience, or relevant PhD
• Further qualification / experience in Sensory Science
• Thorough knowledge of sensory statistics, data analysis and reporting
• Proven success in panel training and management
• Strong computer skills including MS Office, Sensory software (Compusense preferred), ability to handle, analyse and interpret data including panel performance (XLSTAT preferred)
• Ability to present technical findings to non-technical audiences
• Ability to manage time effectively, function independently, flexibly and have a demonstrated ability to coordinate small projects
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills
• Stakeholder management, pro-activeness to voice opinion with a team

Preferable

• Understanding of flavours and off-flavours, preferably as they relate to alcoholic beverages

Key Responsibilities

• Day to day managing of a panel of trained tasters, including scheduling
• Preparation, execution and analysis of panel tasting according to established protocols (including Descriptive & Discrimination methods)
• Work with our client’s sensory personnel in reviewing new sensory science research and with the panel and sensory team in method development

Apply now