Sensory Insights Technologist

Sensory Insights Technologist 

About the role:

As a Sensory insights team member, you will be part of the Sensory Insight Europe team, taking care of sensory projects related to the snacks category. You will be responsible for leading, reporting and often presenting Sensory Insights related to proactive & reactive projects in Europe. The results of these tests will support Marketing, Sales and Technical teams to create and promote winning snack solutions to our customers. In this role, you will work closely with the Snacks panel team members, local & regional team members from cross functional teams. 

In this exciting role you will:

Reactive and proactive sensory test leading and execution:

• Lead and conduct expert sensory panel sessions according to Givaudan best practices; this includes timely data delivery, sharing clear instructions with the panel team members, designing all sensory tests using a computerised data collection system, following panellists’ performances closely and mentoring the sensory technician. 
• Collaborate with CSI Europe and local team members to coordinate schedules of all tests and work with technical  teams to coordinate the preparation of products for the tests 
• Maintain accurate records of all  tasting sessions: create and enter information in Givaudan systems
• Identify the right testing methodology and design tests according to project objectives
• Analyze results, write reports and deliver results to the key  stakeholders for discrimination, descriptive and when relevant consumer tests 

Snack Sensory Panel Management:

• Maintain quality and motivation of panellists by monitoring performance and upskill team members accordingly. Moderate and provide appropriate training for the panel to capture sensory insights
• Maintain flavour language library by working with the Global Sensory team and the local  Flavour Creation and Application teams
• Manage internal and external panels,  including recruitment (selection, screening and training), yearly schedule, contracts (as applicable) and end of year reviews (as applicable)
• Lead other panels when needed and  interact with other panel leaders  to improve and align Europe panel leading skills

CSI Functional Excellence Contribution:

• Organize Lab tours, Sense-It trainings and presentations about panel activities to internal and external  stakeholders 
• Participate in cross-segment CSI capability projects to bring the sensory insights team and capabilities to the next level (new methodologies development, new approaches exploration…)
• Contribute to the development of Sensory Insights Technicians

Your have:

• BS/BA degree in Sensory, Food Science/technology or related fields 
• 1-3 years of panel leading experience or equivalent is preferred
• Knowledge and interest in sensory techniques and consumer research 
• Strong analytical skills and good statistical knowledge
• Experience in Fizz and XL-stat is a plus
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills in English and Dutch
• Ability to present findings to internal and external stakeholders in a concise manner
• Easily connects with colleagues and a natural networker with a strong team spirit
• Likes to take on responsibility and able to drive projects and lead groups of people

Our benefits:

• Annual bonus
• Fixed travel allowance 
• Health insurance contribution 
• Career development