Senior Sensory Panel Leader - Pladis

Department: Sensory

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: High Wycombe (UK)

Reporting To: Priscilla Ahadzi

This role gives you the best of both worlds. You'll be embedded in the Pladis sensory team, taking ownership of the dedicated panel, with the support of MMR behind you

MMR is looking for an experienced and hands-on Senior Sensory Panel Leader to lead the dedicated sensory panel supporting Pladis at its High Wycombe site.

This is a highly embedded client-facing role, working closely with the Pladis sensory team while being employed, supported and developed as part of MMR’s wider sensory community.

The Senior Sensory Panel Leader will take day-to-day ownership of the sensory panel, including leading panel sessions, managing panel performance, supporting the delivery of sensory studies and ensuring the panel remains trained, engaged and capable of producing consistently high-quality sensory data.

The role suits someone who enjoys being close to the panel and the day-to-day sensory work, while also building a strong client partnership, identifying risks early and taking ownership of maintaining and improving panel performance.

Key Responsibilities

Own the sensory panel and drive high-quality insight that shapes product decisions.

• Lead and manage a dedicated sensory panel, ensuring all studies are delivered to the highest standards.
• Oversee day-to-day panel operations, study delivery and sensory reporting.
• Partner with stakeholders to ensure sensory programmes align with business priorities and timelines.

• Train, coach and develop panellists to maintain exceptional performance and consistency.
• Use performance data and KPIs to identify opportunities for improvement and drive panel excellence.
• Foster an engaged, motivated and high-performing panel culture.

• Manage and support MMR-employed panellists, creating a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Recruit, onboard and develop new panellists to maintain a strong and capable team.
• Support individual development while ensuring the panel is resourced for ongoing success.

• Build strong relationships and act as a trusted sensory partner to the client team.
• Proactively manage priorities, risks and delivery challenges to ensure smooth project execution.
• Drive continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to strengthen panel performance and programme delivery

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Degree in Food Science, Sensory Science or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience in sensory science, including leading, training and developing sensory panels.
• Strong understanding of sensory methodologies and how to drive high-quality, reliable sensory data.
• Confident coaching and influencing others, with experience managing panel performance and engagement.
• Highly organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively with both clients and internal teams.

A bit about us and our benefits!

We’re MMR Research Worldwide – the global sensory and consumer research experts behind many of the world’s biggest brands in food, drink, personal and household care. From bold new flavours to breakthrough product experiences, we help turn great ideas into products people truly love.

With teams across the UK, US, Asia and Africa, we blend science, creativity and curiosity to shape the future of everyday products. Join us and you’ll be part of a fast-growing, innovative company where your ideas matter and your career can thrive.

It’s our people that make all of this possible.

We are proud of our collaborative culture which is driven by strong leadership and offers industry-leading training and growth opportunities.

At MMR, we're committed to ensuring the happiness and well-being of each employee, regardless of where they are in the world! We offer a wide range of core and additional benefits. Competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and market-leading training opportunities are standard here. Our vibrant culture, talented team, and focus on employee wellbeing is what makes MMR so special.