Sensory Manager Job Description

A sensory manager will provide the technical expertise necessary for a company to develop a sensory program that evaluates its products. This program must accurately determine how people perceive the company’s products and marketing campaigns.

Their sensory analysis testing will be key in improving existing products and developing new products. The sensory manager will also support the company by providing scientific, legislative and technical information.

The sensory manager will work closely with the research and development, marketing, packaging, quality assurance, management and manufacturing teams. They also play a role improving the productivity of the company and quality of products.

The sensory manager will develop a research plan that incorporates different research methodologies and tests to reach findings on various products that the company makes. The information gathered during tests will be reported both orally and in writing. The sensory manager will also identify opportunities for expanding product lines.

Sensory Manager Job Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of a sensory manager include:

• Plan and implement sensory analysis projects
  They must orchestrate effective testing,  affective testing and perception tests for a range of products then report their findings in a timely fashion to various stakeholders.
• Maintain a strong level of expertise in the field of sensory science
  They must keep their knowledge in the field up to date and use the very latest techniques to help refine products and develop new products.
• Offer advice for various teams throughout the business
  They will work in conjunction with many other staff members, providing advice and performing sensory analysis on their projects.
• Talk to clients about sensory analysis techniques and resulting data
  The sensory manager will explain how products will be tested to key stakeholders. They will then make certain that everyone understand the results of their experiments.
• Help develop the business, improving marketing efforts and sales techniques
  They will use their knowledge to help improve the businesses development, marketing projects and sales strategies.
• Develop projects at the request of clients
  Certain divisions within the company may ask the sensory manager to create a sensory analysis program for them. The sensory manager must schedule and implement these programs then report back to the client with the results.
• Discover new opportunities for growing the business
  The sensory manager will use their findings to discover new opportunities for the business. That may be an improvement to an existing product, an idea for a new product line or changes to sales and marketing.
• Teach sensory science to other staff in the business
  Because the techniques can be advanced, a certain amount of training may be necessary to help other staff understand the processes and results of sensory analysis experiments.
• Manage budgets for projects
  They will have to manage a specific budget and make decisions about which projects can go ahead, given financial constraints.
• Staff management
  They will have to manage a number of staff in their own department.
• Ensure the sensory science department remains efficient
  The sensory manager will make sure their department performs all research in the most efficient and productive ways possible.
• Ensure the working environment complies with health and safety requirements
  They must ensure the health and safety of staff, research participants and visitors at all times.

Education

The sensory manager must have a relevant academic degree. Ideally, they should have a Masters of Science or Doctorate, specialising in sensory science.

Work Experience

The sensory manager is a high level position for professionals with a great deal of experience. They should have:

• Between 5 to 10 years relevant experience
  This should include a significant amount of practical experience evaluating flavours and fragrances for the products that the company specialises in.
• Strong experience in research and development
  They must have worked in a research and development capacity before, improving existing products and creating new products.

Key Skills

• Very strong written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to explain complex concepts to other staff members
• Friendly and capable of working well in a team environment
• Proven ability to deliver research outcomes in a timely fashion
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage other team members
• A strong understanding of the market in which the business operates
• Strong project management skills and the ability to oversee multiple projects at once
• Budgeting skills
• The ability to lead trained panels and manage employee taste testing events
• Very strong information technology skills

The Carling Partnership  Ltd (CPL) is the leading international search and selection company working exclusively within the brewing, distilling, cider and soft drinks industries. View latest Opportunities.

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FAQ

What is the primary role of a sensory manager in a company?

A sensory manager’s key function is to guide the creation of a sensory analysis program to appraise products and marketing campaigns effectively. This role involves coordinating sensory testing to enhance existing products, developing new offerings, and advising teams across the business on sensory-related aspects.

What are the main responsibilities of a sensory manager?

The primary duties of a sensory manager encompass planning and executing sensory analysis projects, maintaining up-to-date expertise in sensory science, advising internal teams, communicating test methods and results to stakeholders, aiding in business and marketing development, initiating client-requested projects, and discovering opportunities for business growth.

What educational qualifications are required for a sensory manager?

A sensory manager is expected to possess a relevant academic degree, with a Master of Science or Doctorate specialising in sensory science considered ideal for the role.

What type of work experience is needed for the position of sensory manager?

Candidates for a sensory manager role should have 5 to 10 years of relevant experience, including a strong background in evaluating flavours and fragrances, and experience in a research and development capacity focused on product improvement and innovation.

Which key skills are essential for a sensory manager?

Essential skills for a sensory manager include excellent written and verbal communication, the ability to elucidate complex concepts, teamwork, timely delivery of research outcomes, leadership, market knowledge, project management, budgeting, panel leadership for taste tests, and proficient IT skills.