Sensory Panel Leader

Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.

As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.

To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility, we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact

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What will this role achieve?

Reporting into the Head of Consumer Technical Insights, in partnership with Innovation, Brand, CMI and R&D teams, the role holder will manage the UK Sensory Panel based in High Wycombe that support UK innovation, Renovation and stewardship pipeline. Within this role you will Raise the sensory & consumer science profile, Secure alignment to consumer success criteria and research principles/design and Deliver sensory & consumer science learning plan in support of innovation, renovation and stewardship projects, which represent significant financial opportunities for pladis.

What will be your key deliverables?

• Manage the Sensory Capability in High Wycombe through best-in-class and fit for purpose methodologies and facility (Sensory Lab)
• Collaboratively with the other CTI team members, prioritise and schedule sensory studies to meet business project needs and timelines, highlighting any issues of panel capacity.
• Ensure 4-day-week Sensory Panel Operations (software sessions, running panel sessions and analysing the data. Report results to the business and provide recommendations based on the data.
• Regularly check panel performance and set training sessions to maximise panel performance.
• Manage the shelf-life program.
• Manage the Discrimination Testing program.
• Closely work with the sensory technician to ensure sample preparations and test designs follow required standards.

• Manage & maintain good collaborative relationship with panel agency.

Bring your experience!

• Experience in panel leadership using multiple methodologies
• Proficiency in basic & intermediate computing skills.
•  Proficiency in RedJade, or similar sensory software
• Proficiency in statistical software and analysis
• At least 1 year’ experience that spans the interpretation/translation of insights into a technical product/pack development glide-path
• Knowledge in sensory techniques

Desirable

• Knowledge in Consumer Science methodologies: quantitative and qualitative research, benchmarking, segmentation, claims development
• Experience in food FMCG and/or research industry.
• Experience with at least a statistics solution (such as XlStats, SPSS, R, etc.)
• Multi-discipline/multi-function team working skills and experience.
• Strong communication skills
• Able to work in an agile, fast paced working environment

Our Purpose

Bring happiness with every bite

It’s a purpose that every one of our colleagues, all around the world believes in. And while we’re all unique, we also share the same values.

Each of our values is important on its own. In combination they’re incredibly powerful.

Our values have deep personal meaning to us. They’re part of who we are and what we stand for as an employer

Living our pladis values is a key part of success, look out for questions in your interview that link to these key pladis values.

Our Values

Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite

Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers

Positive – We’re highly motivated optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better

Resilient - We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward

Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together.

Best mix of ingredients

pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidate to be considered for this vacancy, you must have agreed to, and signed, our terms of business.
We will not accept CVs from any other sources other than those currently on our PSL. We will not pay a fee for any candidate that has not been represented by a provider on our PSL.