Senior Technologist, Sensory

The J.M. Smucker Co.•Orrville, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Technologist, Sensory turns sensory science into product insights and owns sensory projects from test design and panel execution through data analysis and reporting. The role leads trained descriptive panels, builds partnerships across the organization, develops others, improves sensory practices, and supports informed product decisions. The position is based at the Orrville, Ohio corporate location and follows a hybrid arrangement: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with at least nine onsite days per month, primarily during company-designated core weeks. Additional onsite time may be needed based on business needs. The role applies sensory evaluation methodologies to consumer and trained panels, analyzes and interprets traditional sensory data, prepares project reports, and provides technical support for sensory software. It also supports training for other departments or locations, such as Research & Development and plant quality teams. The employee is expected to maintain an odor-neutral environment, including not wearing perfume or other scents and remaining aware of environmental odors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related scientific or mathematical discipline.
At least 4 years of experience in the food industry or an equivalent academic program.
Understand and apply sensory evaluation methodologies and statistics related to affective, discrimination, and descriptive testing.
Demonstrated written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and sensory software packages.
Detail-oriented, able to multitask, and able to adapt in a dynamic business environment.
Ability to lead a trained panel efficiently without biasing it.
Solid statistical background and problem-solving skills.
Strong project management and leadership skills.
Ability to work effectively both on a team and independently.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Willingness to maintain an odor-neutral environment, including not wearing perfume or other scents.

Nice To Haves

Sensory science training through academic or industry experience.
Panel Leader or Moderator experience.

Responsibilities

Manage or participate in testing execution, including product procurement, statistical test design, consumer questionnaire development, and panelist and panel scheduling.
Spend the majority of work time on data analysis and report writing, sensory test requests, and descriptive panel management.
Lead descriptive panels across a variety of product categories by recruiting, facilitating, engaging, and tracking trained panelists.
Manage inventory of descriptive panel references and products in the lab.
Plan panel maintenance and growth by managing the descriptive panel schedule.
Communicate effectively with panelists and provide positive customer service interactions.
Build relationships within the Sensory team and with customers to improve communication.
Accurately record testing anomalies and project details and ensure accurate standard operating procedures.
Apply sensory evaluation methodologies to organize and execute consumer and trained panels.
Contribute to continuous improvement of sensory practices, including efficiencies in project-making, reporting, and descriptive analysis.
Build extensive knowledge of sensory science.
Provide guidance or support in the Sensory Lab as business needs require.
Develop and support sensory evaluation training for other departments or locations, such as Research & Development or plant quality teams.
Analyze and interpret traditional sensory data to prepare sensory projects and reports.
Coach sensory personnel through training, teaching sensory methodologies, and leading by example.
Provide technical support for sensory software, including software testing and upgrades.
Help maintain an odor-neutral environment by avoiding perfume and other scents and being aware of environmental odors.