Sensory Scientist III

SUMMARY

The Sensory Scientist III leads sensory research focused on ensuring the sensory quality, consistency, and shelf-life performance of all Sartori products. This role designs and executes sensory shelf-life studies, defect identification and root-cause investigations, and competitive quality benchmarking to support product integrity and continuous improvement. The Sensory Scientist partners closely with R&D, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain, Marketing and Sales to translate sensory data into actionable insights related to process control, ingredient variability, packaging, and storage conditions. In addition, this role establishes and maintains best-in-class sensory standards, trains and mentors panelists, and advances sensory tools and methodologies that proactively identify risks and protect brand quality over product life.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following with other duties assigned as needed.

• Designs and leads statistically robust sensory studies, including sensory shelf-life, defect characterization, and quality benchmarking
• Analyzes and interprets sensory and consumer data using appropriate statistical methods and translate findings into clear, actionable insights
• Identifies, characterizes, and supports root-cause analysis of sensory defects related to processing, ingredients, packaging, and storage
• Conducts internal and competitive quality benchmarking to establish and maintain sensory standards
• Partners with R&D, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain, Marketing and Sales to translate sensory data into actionable recommendations
• Trains, manages, and mentors trained sensory panels and junior sensory scientists
• Develops and maintains sensory protocols, lexicons, and best practices for dairy products
• Provides technical support through researching and presenting findings regarding customer requests/challenges related to sensory.
• Complies with company safety, HACCP, and GMP policies during plant trials and other plant activities.
• Delivers against set R&D and Sartori company metrics and initiatives.
• Maintains confidentiality as it relates to internal and customers’ proprietary formulas, ingredients, and projects.

DIRECT REPORTS
This role will lead panelists and interns initially but will have no full-time direct reports.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Food Science or Sensory Science required; PhD preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degrees.
• 5+ years of experience in sensory and consumer research, preferably in dairy or food manufacturing required.
• Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, and interpreting statistically rigorous sensory studies required.
• Proficiency with sensory and statistical analysis software (e.g., Compusense, XLSTAT, JMP, R, or equivalent) required.
• Experience working with trained sensory panels and quality-focused sensory programs required.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
• Organizational and Time Management Skills - Ability to manage and navigate priorities while meeting deadlines, anticipating needs, and proactively resolving issues
• Collaborative – partners with team members to realize better results and make a positive impact; engages stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives and foster shared understanding.
• Accuracy – Ensures precision and attention to detail in all tasks, maintaining high standards for data integrity, documentation, and work output. Consistently produces error-free work and carefully reviews information to prevent mistakes. 
• Communicates effectively – Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate thoughts and express ideas to any audience and actively listen to understand.
• Learning agility & intellectual curiosity - Ability to quickly adapt to new challenges, acquire new skills, and apply knowledge in evolving environments. Proactively seeks opportunities to expand expertise, explore innovative solutions, and stay informed of industry trends and best practices.
• Decision quality – Makes sound and timely decisions, using a mixture of analysis of information, experience, and judgement, weighs risks and benefits.
• Resilience – remains composed and effective under pressure, maintaining focus and productivity in evolving environments; recovers quickly from setbacks and persists in the face of challenges.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WORK LOCATION

This is an onsite position located at our Pleasant View corporate office in Plymouth, WI.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional travel may be required to meet the needs of the business (estimated 10%). A valid driver’s license is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

WORK SETTING / ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Team Members assigned to this work.  This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Sartori Company reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational and business needs as necessary.