Sensory Analyst Lead

Job Title: Sensory Analyst Lead

Status: Full-Time

Location: Rochester, NY

Department: Quality

Reports to: Sr. Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Job Type: Exempt

Schedule: Day Shift with the flexibility to cover off-shifts for vacations/coverage as needed

Position Objective

The Sensory Lead will be involved in sensory analysis of product at various stages of production. This will include obtaining samples, running tests and leading sensory panels, conducting off-flavor and defect training, charting panelist sensory proficiency, recording and interpreting data, producing reports, and initiating follow-up actions. The Sensory Lead will be responsible for various tasks as needed to support ongoing projects as well as long term stability and shelf life recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily test panel setup, including sample collection, panel preparation, and clean up
• Conduct single or multi-stage projects, delivering to the required standards and agreed timescales. Design research to produce good quality and actionable data, interpret results, report/present findings, make recommendations, and contribute to decision making. Utilize a wide range of sensory science methods, including qualitative and quantitative
• Interface with operations to help determine their needs and how to apply sensory science to answer their research question. These clients will include Brewing, Packaging, Marketing, Quality, Product Development, and Executives
• Lead the sensory panel recruitment process and helping to improve and expand the panel database
• Apply statistical analysis to the data output from studies to interpret the results
• Manage the Long Term Stability program and associated testing for new products and recipe or process changes. Provide reports and shelf life recommendations as sensory expert for the company
• Initiate follow-up and corrective actions as necessary
• Sensory training of employees, training both detection and root-cause analysis of flavor attributes and defects. Conduct AML quantitative threshold testing and maintain logs of panelist proficiency
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), properly wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and follow all safety and company policies at all times
• Actively exhibit a commitment to support a diverse and inclusive work environment
• Perform other duties as required
• Up to 10% travel may be required for cross-brewery activities and training

Qualifications

• Science degree with laboratory, sensory, and/or brewing experience
• Sensory Science degree preferred
• Ability to read, write, analyze and interpret documents and data in English
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference/analysis
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools (i.e. Minitab)

Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions

• Regularly required to sit, bend, lift, reach with hands or arms, and lift/move up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to climb over or duck under conveyors and equipment
• Must be able to work with moving mechanical parts and loud noise levels
• Ability to work in fluctuating temperatures and working environments including hot/muggy and cold inside as well as varying outside temperatures and seasons
• Ability to work with hazardous chemicals

Perks

• Generous Benefits with options to fit your life
• Blue4U Discounts
• Retirement Options with employer contributions
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous paid time off
• Technology reimbursement options
• Culture of pride and community involvement
• And of course, beer!

In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base hourly wage for this position is $25.00-38.00/hour, not including benefits or potential bonuses. If you are hired at North American Breweries, your base hourly wage will be determined based on factors such as individual skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, we also believe in the importance of pay equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. We also offer a generous benefits package, including health insurance!

Drug Testing Statement: After a conditional offer of employment, a covered employer may require job applicant to submit a drug test.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetics, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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