Sensory Scientist / Panel Leader (Beloit)

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

This role encompasses leading a descriptive sensory panel and maintaining an end-use market as a sensory lead. The position requires strong leadership, technical expertise in sensory science, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to support business objectives through high-quality sensory insights.

Key responsibilities

Lead and manage a trained sensory panel of 816 individuals using the Spectrum Descriptive Analysis (SDA) method.

Develop and implement project-specific training and calibration plans.

Facilitate training, calibration, and testing sessions in compliance with SDA methodology.

Define and maintain reference materials for all attributes of interest.

Monitor and evaluate panel performance; address underperformance through retraining and recalibration.

Maintain panel size through recruitment, screening, and fit-for-purpose assessments.

Sensory Testing & Methodology

Design and execute sensory testing using SDA, temporal, and discrimination methods.

Analyze data using relevant sensory software and interpret panel performance metrics.

Communicate findings to sensory leads and project stakeholders.

Project Collaboration & Execution

Meet with stakeholders to understand business objectives and define sensory goals.

Collaborate with sensory project leads to select appropriate methodologies and testing logistics.

Coordinate with technicians and technologists to ensure timely preparation of test materials and references.

Strategic Sensory Leadership

Act as the sensory lead for an end-use market, maintaining a pipeline of internal and customer-facing projects.

Design, organize, and execute sensory studies aligned with business objectives.

Analyze and interpret test results, providing actionable insights and next steps.

Stay current with sensory science developments and adopt new techniques to enhance capabilities.

Qualifications and skills

Skills & Competencies :

Expertise in sensory science, particularly descriptive analysis and SDA methodology.

Strong leadership and team management skills.

Proficiency in sensory data analysis tools and statistical interpretation.

Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Ability to collaborate across functions including R&D, marketing, and business development.

Experience & Qualifications :

Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Food Science, Sensory Science, or a related field.

Prior experience leading and managing sensory panels is essential.

Experience with Spectrum Descriptive Analysis is highly preferred.

Familiarity with temporal and discrimination testing methods.

Occasional travel (approximately once a month) may be required for customer visits or panel-related activities.

The typical hiring range for this role is $75,602 to $123,432 annually and is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, location, etc. In addition to your pay, Kerry offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (all benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at : Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).