Sensory Scientist​/Panel Leader

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

This role encompasses leading a descriptive sensory panel and maintaining an end-use market as a sensory lead. The position requires strong leadership, technical expertise in sensory science, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to support business objectives through high-quality sensory insights.

• Lead and manage a trained sensory panel of 8–16 individuals using the Spectrum Descriptive Analysis (SDA) method.
• Develop and implement project-specific training and calibration plans.
• Facilitate training, calibration, and testing sessions in compliance with SDA methodology.
• Define and maintain reference materials for all attributes of interest.
• Monitor and evaluate panel performance; address underperformance through retraining and recalibration.
• Maintain panel size through recruitment, screening, and fit‑for‑purpose assessments.
• Sensory Testing & Methodology
  • Design and execute sensory testing using SDA, temporal, and discrimination methods.
  • Analyze data using relevant sensory software and interpret panel performance metrics.
  • Communicate findings to sensory leads and project stakeholders.
• Project Collaboration & Execution
  • Meet with stakeholders to understand business objectives and define sensory goals.
  • Collaborate with sensory project leads to select appropriate methodologies and testing logistics.
  • Coordinate with technicians and technologists to ensure timely preparation of test materials and references.
• Strategic Sensory Leadership
  • Act as the sensory lead for an end‑use market, maintaining a pipeline of internal and customer‑facing projects.
  • Design, organize, and execute sensory studies aligned with business objectives.
  • Analyze and interpret test results, providing actionable insights and next steps.
  • Stay current with sensory science developments and adopt new techniques to enhance capabilities.

• Expertise in sensory science, particularly descriptive analysis and SDA methodology.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in sensory data analysis tools and statistical interpretation.
• Excellent communication skills for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to collaborate across functions including R&D, marketing, and business development.

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Food Science, Sensory Science, or a related field.
• Prior experience leading and managing sensory panels is essential.
• Experience with Spectrum Descriptive Analysis is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with temporal and discrimination testing methods.
• Occasional travel (approximately once a month) may be required for customer visits or panel‑related activities.

The pay range for this position is $75,602 to $123,432 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay‑for‑performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on March 31st, 2026.

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are…