Job Description
Department: Sensory Location: SSC Pleasantville, NY Description Are you an experienced Sensory Scientist who enjoys leading people, strengthening data quality, and partnering closely with clients? Do you bring both technical depth and a coaching mindset to sensory panel management? If so, we’d love to hear from you. MMR is a global leader in sensory and consumer research, supporting iconic brands and emerging innovators across food, drink, personal care, and household products. Our culture is collaborative, fast‑paced, and grounded in scientific rigor—balanced with creativity and practical problem‑solving. We are looking for a Manager or Senior Manager of Client Sensory Panels (US) to oversee a portfolio of client‑dedicated sensory panels and panel leaders, reporting into the Head of US Client Managed Panels. Key Responsibilities In this role, you will be responsible for the day‑to‑day leadership and development of multiple client‑managed sensory panels , ensuring high‑quality sensory execution and consistent panel performance. You’ll work closely with panel leaders embedded at client sites and act as a key point of contact for technical guidance, panel governance, and continuous improvement. This is a US‑focused role with potential global exposure for selected clients. The position can be based remotely, with some travel to client locations as needed. Trusted Delivery Oversee the delivery of multiple client‑managed sensory panels , ensuring agreed KPIs, timelines, and quality standards are met Review panel performance metrics and outputs, identifying risks and implementing corrective actions where needed Ensure robust onboarding, training, and ongoing development of panelists and panel leaders Promote consistency and best practice across sensory methods, training approaches, and panel governance People Leadership & Capability Line manage, coach, and support panel leaders embedded at client sites Build technical confidence in panel leaders through mentoring, feedback, and structured development Support recruitment, onboarding, and progression of panel leaders in line with MMR’s career framework Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative team culture Client Partnership & Commercial Mindset Act as a trusted sensory advisor to clients, supporting study design, method selection, and panel readiness Participate in regular client meetings, partnership reviews, and issue resolution Demonstrate strong client centricity through responsiveness, clarity, and solution‑focused thinking Maintain awareness of contractual obligations, scope, and budgets for assigned CMPs Operational Excellence & Efficiency Support efficient use of MMR tools, systems, and processes across CMP teams Contribute to improvements in ways of working, documentation, and communication streams Oversee selected administrative and operational activities (e.g., resourcing coordination, POs), ensuring accuracy and timeliness Escalate risks appropriately and proactively Skills, Knowledge & Expertise Core Requirements (Manager level) 4+ years’ experience in Sensory Science , within CPG, ingredient suppliers, agencies, or similar environments Strong understanding of sensory panel management and operational challenges Solid technical knowledge of descriptive and discriminative methods Experience reviewing panel performance and contributing to training plans Clear communication skills with internal teams and clients Strong organization, prioritization, and attention to detail A collaborative approach with a genuine interest in developing others Additional Expectations (Senior Manager level) Demonstrated autonomy in managing multiple clients or panels simultaneously Confidence acting as a primary technical point of contact for clients Experience influencing improvements across teams, not just within own remit Stronger commercial awareness and comfort balancing quality, cost, and timelines Ability to coach panel leaders through complex or sensitive situations Job Benefits A bit about us and our benefits! We’re MMR Research Worldwide – the global sensory and consumer research experts behind many of the world’s biggest brands in food, drink, personal and household care. From