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Sensory Panel Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mission Foods

Senior Sensory Scientist

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

Leads the descriptive panel and provides value-added actionable sensory results to drive business performance across the product categories. Works as a partner for both departments R&D and Marketing ...

GRUMA

Senior Sensory Scientist

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

Leads the descriptive panel and provides value-added actionable sensory results to drive business performance across the product categories. Works as a partner for both departments R&D and Marketing ...

Lactalis

Associate Sensory Scientist

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

... Leadership Team monthly product tasting * sessions. * Travel to manufacturing plants and headquarters office on a regular basis to provide support to Factory Sensory Panels * and meet with Corporate ...

Lactalis USA

Associate Sensory Scientist

Buffalo, NY

$65K - $70K/yr

... Executive Leadership Team monthly product tasting sessions.Travel to manufacturing plants and headquarters office on a regular basis to provide support to Factory Sensory Panels and meet with ...

Pulsejobs

Sensory Manager

Knoxville, TN

... panels and practices including coaching and leading multi-site sensory initiatives 30% - Oversight and support of Sensory for innovation and new product development - Serve as and provide team ...

Sartori

Sensory Scientist III

Plymouth, WI · On-site

SUMMARY The Sensory Scientist III leads sensory research focused on ensuring the sensory quality ... Trains, manages, and mentors trained sensory panels and junior sensory scientists * Develops and ...

Sartori

Sensory Scientist III

Plymouth, WI · On-site

SUMMARY The Sensory Scientist III leads sensory research focused on ensuring the sensory quality ... Trains, manages, and mentors trained sensory panels and junior sensory scientists * Develops and ...

Sensation Research

Trained Sensory Panelist

Mason, OH · On-site

$17/hr

On the job training by our experienced panel leaders and co-workers * Sensation Research is looking for multiple sensory panelists to keep up the growing business * Part-time, long-term position ...

Sensation Research

Trained Sensory Panelist

Mason, OH · On-site

$17/hr

On the job training by our experienced panel leaders and co-workers * Sensation Research is looking for multiple sensory panelists to keep up the growing business * Part-time, long-term position ...

Sensation Research

Trained Sensory Panelist

Mason, OH · On-site

$17/hr

... experienced panel leaders and co-workers Sensation Research is looking for multiple sensory ... panelists to keep up the growing business Part-time, long-term position, 1099 Starting - $17/hour ...

Sensation Research

Trained Sensory Panelist

Mason, OH · On-site

$17/hr

On the job training by our experienced panel leaders and co-workers * Sensation Research is looking for multiple sensory panelists to keep up the growing business * Part-time, long-term position ...

Hersheys

Associate Research (Part-time)

Hershey, PA · On-site

About The Hershey Company The Hershey Company is an industry-leading snacks company known for ... Coordinate sensory panel and employee testing activities to ensure samples, materials, and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSensory Panel Leader Jobs

Sensory Panel Leader information

See salary details

$23.5K

$59.5K

$86.5K

How much do sensory panel leader jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for sensory panel leader in the United States is $59,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sensory panel leader?

Sensory Panel Leaders are professionals who oversee sensory evaluation panels, which are groups of trained individuals who assess the taste, smell, appearance, texture, and other sensory attributes of food, beverages, or other products. The leader is responsible for recruiting and training panelists, organizing sensory tests, ensuring standardization and accuracy, and interpreting the data collected. They play a crucial role in product development, quality control, and consumer research by providing insights into how products are perceived by people. Sensory Panel Leaders often work closely with product developers, quality assurance teams, and marketing departments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a sensory panel leader?

To thrive as a Sensory Panel Leader, you need a background in food science, sensory evaluation, and data analysis, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with sensory analysis software, statistical tools, and standardized testing protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for managing panelists and ensuring reliable results. These skills are vital for producing accurate sensory data that informs product development and quality decisions.

How does a sensory panel leader ensure consistency and reliability in panelist evaluations?

A Sensory Panel Leader maintains consistency and reliability by rigorously training panelists, developing standardized test protocols, and regularly calibrating both the panel and the testing environment. They facilitate regular feedback sessions, monitor individual panelist performance, and address any drift in evaluation standards. This structured approach helps produce accurate, reproducible sensory data that supports product development and quality assurance teams.

What is the difference between Sensory Panel Leader vs Sensory Analyst?

AspectSensory Panel LeaderSensory Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in food science, sensory science, or related field; certifications in sensory evaluation are commonSimilar credentials; often holds degrees in food science or related areas; sensory evaluation certifications are advantageous
Work EnvironmentLeads sensory panels, manages panelists, and oversees testing procedures in laboratory or production settingsConducts sensory tests, analyzes data, and reports findings in laboratory or production environments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by food, beverage, and consumer product companies to manage sensory testing programsEmployed in similar industries to perform sensory data collection and analysis

The main difference is that a Sensory Panel Leader manages and oversees sensory testing panels, while a Sensory Analyst focuses on conducting tests and analyzing sensory data. Both roles require similar qualifications and work environments, but the Panel Leader has additional responsibilities in leadership and panel management.

More about Sensory Panel Leader jobs

What cities are hiring for Sensory Panel Leader jobs?

Cities with the most Sensory Panel Leader job openings:

What states have the most Sensory Panel Leader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sensory Panel Leader jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Sensory Panel Leader jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Sensory Panel Leader jobs are:

Sensory Panel Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensory Panel Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,499 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Senior Sensory Scientist

Mission Foods

Grand Prairie, TX • On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Mission Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

The Sensory Scientists manage resources to support the business strategies related to the Stage Gate Process in which Sensory Evaluation plays a role. Leads the descriptive panel and provides value-added actionable sensory results to drive business performance across the product categories. Works as a partner for both departments R&D and Marketing Insights delivering sensory and interpretation results that supports consumer research projects, the development and improvement of new and existing products, and the development of the best practices in sensory descriptive assessments.Acts as a panel leader for the descriptive panel. Provides the planning, execution, and interpretation of a descriptive analysis in corn and flour tortillas, and chips.Supports and executes projects through planning appropriate descriptive, and sensory evaluation methods and communicates key findings and the interpretation results to R&D, marketing insight, and cross-functional teams for new products or product improvements.Designs experiments and interpret statistical analysis of results for sensory evaluation assessments.Coordinates and collaborates across the R&D teams, and business teams, on the process of new products and product improvement projects.Executes descriptive panel recalibration efforts to maintain the panel at their optimal capability.Make final reports and presentations and generate accurate data.Delivers technical knowledge representing the function.Performs other duties as required.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEBachelor?s degree in food science/technology or a similar field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in sensory science as a core element of the role. Experience in the application of statistical analysis. Requires advanced skills in research design, and statistical applications. Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above. Able to plan and manage projectsExcellent level of technical competency in sensory scienceExcellent skills in the interpretation of data obtainedExcellent knowledge in statisticsExcellent communication skills (verbal and written), good organizational development skillsKnowledge of tortilla and chips category is a plusPassionate, adaptable and willing to grow and work in a team environmentFood Science and Technology backgroundAble to work well in a team environmentGood leadership skillsDecisive thinkerProfessional conduct and mannerAbility to give presentations.Gruma Corporation and its affiliates, including but not limited to Azteca Milling, L.P., are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law. The information collected by this application is solely for the purposes of determining suitability for employment, verifying your identity, and maintaining employment statistics on applicants. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as state and local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Gruma. Please inform the company's personnel representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

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