US Head of Client Managed Panels - Sensory Research

The US Head of Client Managed Panels at MMR is responsible for overseeing sensory research activities, managing multiple sensory teams and panel leaders, and ensuring the smooth execution of projects. This includes recruiting and onboarding new panel leaders, supporting daily operations, analyzing sensory panel performances, and coaching the team to improve data quality. Regular client interactions and quarterly reviews to assess project success are also key aspects of the role.

To qualify for the US Head of Client Managed Panels position at MMR, candidates should have 8+ years of experience in Sensory Science, particularly in contexts like FMCG and agencies. Strong knowledge of descriptive and discriminative testing methods, proficiency in sensory and statistical software, and excellent communication skills are essential. A natural leadership ability and a commitment to mentoring team members are also required for success in this role.

MMR is dedicated to the professional development of its employees, including the US Head of Client Managed Panels. The company offers unparalleled training opportunities and encourages mentoring and coaching within the team. The position itself includes responsibilities related to training new panel leaders and improving the skills of existing team members, fostering an environment of continuous learning.

The work environment for the US Head of Client Managed Panels at MMR is vibrant and supportive, characterized by a friendly and fast-paced culture. Employees have the flexibility to work remotely, with opportunities to travel to clients’ locations. MMR values employee well-being and satisfaction, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while striving for innovation in research methodologies.

In the role of US Head of Client Managed Panels at MMR, you’ll collaborate with a diverse clientele in the food, drink, and personal care sectors. MMR advises a mix of iconic global brands and emerging innovators, providing insights and sensory methodologies tailored to each client's unique needs and objectives.

Discuss your management philosophy and provide examples of how you’ve effectively led teams in previous roles. Mention specific strategies for fostering collaboration, setting clear expectations, and ensuring high-quality sensory research execution.

Provide details about the specific sensory testing methodologies you've implemented in your past work, such as discriminative or descriptive tests. Offer examples of how you adapted these methods to suit various client needs.

Explain your approach to client relationship management, emphasizing active communication, transparency, and responsiveness. Share a personal success story where your relationship-building efforts have led to successful project outcomes.

Discuss your strategies for maintaining data quality, such as implementing best practices in panel management, conducting regular training sessions, and utilizing appropriate software for data analysis. Provide examples of successful improvements you’ve made in this area.

Talk about the importance of mentoring in developing team members' skills and confidence. Share an experience where you successfully mentored a team member and the positive impact it had on their performance.

Illustrate your conflict resolution skills by discussing how you approach conflicts proactively and constructively. Share an example of a past situation where you successfully resolved a team conflict.

Detail your experience with recruiting panelists, focusing on the specific criteria and processes you use to ensure high quality. Discuss how you screen potential panelists effectively to match client needs and sensory testing requirements.

Share a specific situation where you identified performance gaps in a sensory panel and the actions you took to enhance their effectiveness. Highlight the results and any learning outcomes from this experience.

Describe your commitment to continuous learning in sensory science. Mention any professional organizations, publications, or training programs you engage with to stay informed about the latest trends and methodologies.

Discuss your vision of success in this role, outlining the key performance indicators you would prioritize, such as client satisfaction, quality of research outputs, team development, and effective handling of client requests. Provide an example of how you’ve achieved success in a similar position.