Research Operations Director Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Plymouth, MN, USA

Part-time

Company Description

SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy . Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet, and health & beauty products so as to create high quality and memorable experiences. We help our clients:

• Develop new product ideas

• Re-energize a well-established product

• Assess product-concept fit or packaging effectiveness

• Understand the product, brand and category competitive landscapes

• Protect product quality from inception to the end of shelf life

Job Description

Pay Range: $18/Hr.- $24/Hr.

Shift: (Part-Time) Monday – Thursday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Part-Time Front Desk Administrative Assistant to support our operations team and help ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of our office. This role combines front desk reception with administrative and operational support, including welcoming visitors, scheduling part-time field staff, managing calendars, assisting with office operations, providing basic tech support, and coordinating a variety of tasks.

This is a part-time, on-site role requiring in-person presence Monday through Thursday. The ideal candidate is friendly and solution-oriented, thrives in a fast-paced environment where no two days look the same, and enjoys anticipating needs and jumping in to help wherever needed to keep operations running smoothly.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the reception desk, providing a friendly greeting to visitors, answering and directing phone calls, taking messages, conducting facility tours, and processing incoming and outgoing mail.

• Build and manage shift schedules for part-time field staff in the scheduling app, strategically assigning employees based on capabilities, availability, and project needs. Coordinate coverage with Project Coordinators and the Facility Supervisor for test prep, warehousing, test execution, and other tasks.

• Maintain the Consumer Testing Calendar, confirming site availability, updating projects based on sales requests, and monitoring project status to ensure accurate visibility.

• Assist the operations team and part-time staff with time entry, training, and technology support as needed.

• Support project A/V needs, including creating client accounts and editing videos in the internal A/V system.

• Update reports and maintain the field operations project tracker to allow Project Coordinators and the Operations Director to monitor billable time for active projects against the allocated budget. Assist with filing PCCs (Project Change Control requests) or other change documentation as needed.

• Provide critical support to the Operations Director, including scheduling, meeting notes, time tracking, expense reporting, filing, scanning/copying documents, and assisting with office events.

• Assist with special projects, including procurement, on-site research support, administrative tasks, culture committee event setup and cleanup, and other organizational needs as required.

• Stock, organize, and assist with general office cleaning to maintain a clean and orderly environment.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• 1+ years of experience in office administration, reception, event coordination, or operations preferred.

• Open to entry-level candidates with relevant coursework, internships, or part-time experience who demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Willingness to learn, adapt, and take initiative in a fast-paced, hands-on environment is essential.

Required Licenses or Certificates:

• Valid Driver’s License and Proof of Insurance

• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship

Required Experience with Software and Platforms:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Apple products.

• Working knowledge of cloud-based applications and the internet.

• Experience using Excel or other spreadsheet/analysis software to track, analyze, and report project metrics.

• Familiarity with operational platforms such as Microsoft 365, Salesforce, or Adobe is a plus.

Skills:

• Communication: Clear and professional in verbal and written communication.

• Teamwork: Support team success, resolve conflicts, and collaborate effectively across functions.

• Organization & Detail Orientation: Manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and ensure accuracy in all tasks.

• Problem-Solving & Initiative: Proactive and solution-minded, able to identify challenges and act independently.

• Adaptability: Quick learner, able to adopt new tools, technologies, and workflows.

• Interpersonal Skills: Outgoing, personable, and contributes to a positive, welcoming environment.

• Focus in Fast-Paced Environments: Able to maintain composure and productivity in dynamic, sometimes noisy settings.

• Proactivity & Initiative: Proactive, solution-minded, and willing to jump in wherever needed, take ownership of tasks, and tackle a wide range of responsibilities to keep operations running smoothly.

Additional Information

Pay Range: $18/Hr.- $24/Hr.

Shift: (Part-Time) Monday – Thursday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Other Factors:

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds (50 lbs. with assistance).

• The employee must have the ability to stand for long periods of time.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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