Sensory Evaluation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description Quality Control Sensory Technician - Erlanger, KYMAIN FUNCTION:This position is responsible for evaluating and verifying the color, flavor, aroma, and appearance of products against established quality standards. This role ensures that every batch meets sensory specifications before release, using a combination of instrumental testing and trained sensory evaluation to catch inconsistencies, defects, or deviations that instruments alone might miss.KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:AdaptabilityAdapts well to changes in assignments and priorities; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; approaches change positively and adjusts behaviors accordingly.Building TrustInteract with others in a way that gives them confidence in one's motives and representations and those of the organization. Is seen as direct and truthful; keeps confidences, promises, and commitments.CollaborationBuilds constructive working relationships with clients/customers, other work units, community organizations and others to meet mutual goals and objectives. Behaves professionally and supportively when working with individuals from a variety of ethnic, social and educational backgrounds.Continuous Learning and Professional Development (Do not use with Applied Learning)Is committed to developing professionally, attends professional conferences, focuses on best practices, values cutting-edge practices and approaches; takes advantage of a variety of learning activities, introduces newly gained knowledge and skills on the job.InfluenceUses appropriate interpersonal skills and techniques to gain acceptance for ideas or solutions. Uses influencing strategies to gain genuine agreements; Seeks to persuade rather than force solutions or impose decisions or regulations.Planning and OrganizingOrganizes work, sets priorities, and determines resources requirements; determines necessary sequence of activities needed to achieve goals.Quality OrientationMonitors and checks work to meet quality standards; demonstrates a high level of care and thoroughness; checks work to ensure completeness and accuracy.Safety AwarenessBeing aware of conditions and circumstances that affect one's own safety or the safety of direct reports.TeamworkParticipates as an active and contributing member of a team to achieve team goals. Works cooperatively with other team members, involves others, shares information as appropriate, and shares credit for team accomplishments.Technical/Professional Knowledge and SkillsPossesses, acquires, and maintains the technical/professional expertise required to do the job effectively and to create client/customer solutions. Technical/professional expertise is demonstrated through problem solving, applying professional judgment, and competent performance.DESCRIPTION OF WORK PERFORMED:Conduct sensory evaluations (taste, smell, appearance, color, texture) on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products according to company SOPsPerform instrumental color measurement (e.g., spectrophotometer, colorimeter) and record/interpret results against approved specificationsCompare product samples against reference/retain standards to identify deviations in flavor, color, or aromaDocument sensory panel results, testing data, and any out-of-spec findings accurately and in a timely mannerParticipate in and/or lead internal sensory panels; calibrate personal sensory judgment against panel/reference standards regularlyFlag and escalate quality deviations to QC Supervisor or Lab Manager, providing clear, objective descriptions of the issueSupport root cause investigations when sensory failures occur, working with production and R&D teamsMaintain retain sample and reference standards for comparison testingFollow all food safety, GMP, and lab safety protocolsAssist in developing or refining sensory testing protocols, scorecards, and specification ranges.Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining Quality requirements.Encourages Trust between Operations and Quality.Brings new ideas and improvements to Quality protocols and procedures.KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry or related field.Prior experience in a QC lab, sensory panel, or food/beverage/cosmetics production environment preferredDemonstrated sensory acuity - ability to accurately detect and describe differences in taste, smell, and colorStrong attention to detail and ability to document findings objectively and consistentlyAbility to work independently and make judgment calls on borderline samplesBasic computer skills for data entry and reporting (Excel, LIMS systems a plus)Must be able to work in a lab environment involving exposure to various food/flavor/color samples.Ability to taste and smell products as part of routine testing (candidates with dietary restrictions, allergies, or sensory impairments should discuss accommodations)Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a lab/production environmentFormal sensory training (e.g., descriptive analysis, triangle testing, duo-trio testing)Knowledge of flavor/color specification documentation and batch record reviewExcited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. REF:111823BR Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. The pay range for this position is expected to be between: $49,000.00 - $87,300.00 Benefits and Perks Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including: Physical wellness - medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable). Financial wellness - flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection. Mental and social wellness - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares). Additional benefits include: Paid time off including paid holidays. Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave. Tuition assistance. Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs. *Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter. #IncludingYouDiversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM's efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments - environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law About ADM At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.