Panel Leader R&D Sensory Cocoa

Job Location: Hershey, PA

ROLE OVERVIEW:

This hands-on position leads daily panel sessions, drives consensus on product attributes, supports quality assessments and lexicon development, and supports technician team.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead daily panel operations including supporting panel scheduling and facilitating discussions
• Support to technician team with inventory, ordering, sample preparation, and reference management
• Manage, lead, and report consensus profiling project work
• Coordinate Cocoa commodity approval through sample prep, control selection, and data analysis
• Support creation, organization, and management of technical product descriptions
• Work closely with sensory scientists and technicians to ensure accurate, consistent, and high-quality sensory data

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong sensory acuity across appearance, taste, and texture modalities as a trained sensory panelist
• Skilled facilitator with a proven ability to lead group discussions and drive consensus with diverse perspectives
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook; preferred experience in LIMS and EyeQuestion
• Skilled in Spectrum Descriptive Analysis and technical report writing
• Highly organized with excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently

Experience & Education

• High School diploma or GED required (Associate's degree in Science preferred)
• Trained sensory panelist
• Applicable work experience, expertise, and/or certification in food safety/handling preferred

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