Sensory Panel Leader
Location: Southampton, HampshireSalary: Competitive (DOE)Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to FridayContract: Permanent
About the Role
Synergy is recruiting an experienced Sensory Panel Leader to oversee the day-to-day operation, development, and performance of our Trained Sensory Panels, based at a client site in Southampton. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a passion for sensory science to take ownership of high-quality research delivery while leading and developing a dedicated panel team.
As Sensory Panel Leader, you’ll be responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering sensory research studies to the highest quality standards, ensuring the panel consistently produces accurate, reliable, and actionable insights. Working closely with the departmental management team, you’ll provide leadership, coaching, and ongoing development to panellists, building capability, engagement, and performance across the team.
What You’ll Be Doing
Coordinating and executing sensory studies, ensuring activities are planned, compliant, and delivered on timeLeading sensory panel sessions and guiding panellists in line with established methodologies and best practiceManaging study preparation, including sample handling, scheduling, documentation, and readiness reviewsDelivering panellist recruitment, onboarding, and training programmesProviding line management for the trained sensory panel, supporting engagement, attendance, development, wellbeing, and performanceMonitoring panellist performance and data quality, coordinating refresher training where neededMaintaining accurate documentation, attendance records, and study trackersDriving continuous improvement across sensory capabilities, processes, and training programmesCollaborating with cross-functional stakeholders and the wider sensory networkUpholding health, safety, quality, and compliance standards, including ISO 9001
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
Understanding of scientific testing principles and robust data generationExperience coordinating projects or operational activities with multiple stakeholdersStrong organisational, time management, and project coordination skillsExcellent communication and interpersonal skills across all levelsStrong attention to detail and record-keeping disciplineProficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)Experience with data collection or reporting systemsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsUnderstanding of governance, compliance, and health & safety in a regulated environment
Desirable:
Knowledge of sensory testing methodologies and panel training principlesLaboratory experience (academic, placement, or professional)Experience with trained sensory panels or sensory research programmesExperience in panellist recruitment, onboarding, and trainingFamiliarity with sensory software platforms (e.g. Compusense)Data processing, analysis, or programming experienceExperience producing and presenting data-driven reportsKnowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systemsExperience in regulated industries (tobacco, nicotine, FMCG, pharmaceutical, consumer products, etc.)Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement qualificationsExperience across multiple product categories and cross-functional teams
Why Join Us?
This is a permanent role offering the chance to lead a skilled sensory panel, shape training and development practices, and play a key role in delivering high-quality research that informs real business decisions
Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG – The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy
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