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Senior Sensory Scientist, Client Partnerships

--Hybrid -> 2-3 days in the office--

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The Senior Sensory Scientist, Client Partnerships (Program Manager)  is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and successful execution of a Managed Sensory Partnership (MSP) program. Serving as the primary client contact, this role develops and maintains strong client relationships, provides strategic guidance, and ensures resources are effectively aligned to meet program objectives. The Program Manager leads onsite Sensory Spectrum teams, oversees program operations, and ensures all activities are executed in accordance with Sensory Spectrum's quality standards, timelines, and client expectations. 

This role also manages external consulting clients, leading project planning, execution, reporting, and business development activities, including proposal and pricing development.

Successful candidates are strategic thinkers, experienced client managers, and proven people leaders with strong expertise in sensory and consumer research methodologies.
Job Location Options
📍 New Providence, NJ 
📍 Kannapolis, NC
📍 Plano, TX
 ✈️ Up to 25% travel (approximately 1 trip per month; may flex based on work location)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions Statements

MSP Client Manager

  • Serve as the primary Client Manager for a Managed Sensory Partnership contract.
  • Develop and maintain trusted client relationships through proactive communication and strategic partnership.
  • Provide thought leadership and recommendations that enhance client programs and business outcomes.
  • Lead program planning, development, and execution to ensure successful delivery of objectives.
  • Monitor program performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

  • Manage client embedded Sensory Teams in 2 locations;

    • Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Sensory Spectrum team members.
    • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
    • Promote open communication, accountability, and alignment with company values and objectives.
    • Provide technical guidance
    • Ensure quality, efficiency, and adherence to timelines.

Research & Consulting

  • Design, plan, and execute sensory, consumer, and product research studies; developing proposals, project scopes & price quotations based on recommend research plan.
  • Translate client objectives into actionable research plans and recommendations.
  • Utilize sensory science methodologies, including descriptive analysis, discrimination testing, consumer research, quality assessment, and advanced research techniques.
  • Analyze data, interpret results, and deliver clear, actionable insights to clients.
  • Monitor project schedules and ensure timely delivery of all client commitments.
  • Coordinate among internal teams and cross-functional partners to achieve project goals.
  • Provide information required for accurate and timely client billing.
  • Maintain compliance with established company processes, quality standards, and best practices.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Skills and Experience

Technical Expertise

  • Strong knowledge of sensory evaluation methodologies and best practices.
  • Experience developing and applying sensory lexicons across multiple product categories.
  • Expertise in descriptive analysis, consumer research, data interpretation, and reporting.
  • Familiarity with advanced research methodologies, including experimental design, consumer qualitative and quantitative research, and statistical analysis.

Leadership & Professional Skills

  • Strong client relationship management and consulting skills.
  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and facilitation skills.
  • Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
  • Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills.
  • Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  • Ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate across functions.
  • Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Additional Skills

  • Ability and willingness to evaluate a variety of food, beverage, and personal care products regularly.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Experience with XLSTAT, SAS, or other statistical software preferred.


Education & Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree (four-year college or university) or greater

Experience: 10-12 years related experience in sensory evaluation, consulting and client relationship management

Travel Required: 25% of time (approximately 1 trip per month, but may flex based on work location)

 Competencies Required

  • Communication
  • Client Focus
  • Listening & Integration of Feedback
  • Organization & Planning
  • Time Management & Prioritization
  • Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Leadership & People Development
  • Collaboration & Teamwork

 

The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; viewing a computer screen; extensive reading; video meetings.


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