Sensory Panel Technologist

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Date: 21 Mar 2026

Location: Worksop R & D, GB

Company: Premier Foods

Based - Worksop (S81 7AY)

Permanent, Full Time

Join Premier Foods — where people, brands and purpose come together.

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest listed food businesses, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites shaping the future of some of Britain’s best‑loved brands, found in 94% of households nationwide, making us one of the UK’s top three ambient food suppliers. From much‑loved household names such as Mr Kipling, Bisto, Oxo, Batchelors and Sharwoods, to our recently welcomed brands Fuel10k and Merchant Gourmet, our portfolio is packed with iconic favourites — and continues to grow.

 

At Premier Foods, we’re not only building careers; we’re building a community where everyone can thrive. Home to some of the UK’s best‑loved brands – including Sharwoods, Mr Kipling, Batchelors, Oxo and Ambrosia – our teams play a vital role in creating products that people genuinely love.

 

We’re now looking for a Sensory Panel Technologist to join our Sensory and Product Analytics team, playing a key role in protecting product quality, maximising consumer liking and driving great tasting products to market.

 

As Sensory Panel Leader, you’ll be a lead contact for sensory panel research, working across our full brand portfolio. You’ll partner closely with R&D, Marketing and Insights teams, combining sensory science, consumer research and data analytics to inform innovation, quality improvement and ongoing quality monitoring. You’ll lead multiple projects end‑to‑end, from project design and sample preparation through panel training, data collection, statistical analysis and insight‑led reporting. You’ll also work with external research agencies to ensure best practice delivery of consumer research, including occasional attendance at fieldwork.

 

This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role where your work directly influences product decisions and consumer loyalty.

 

What you’ll be doing:

  • Acting as a lead contact for sensory panel research across a range of projects
  • Planning and delivering product research using internal and external trained sensory panels
  • Managing sensory projects from concept to final insight, including training, data collection, analysis and reporting
  • Collaborating with cross‑functional teams to translate data into clear, actionable recommendations
  • Managing relationships with external research agencies and ensuring best practice is followed
  • Ensuring compliance with Premier Foods’ sensory best practices, health & safety standards and procedures
  • Managing project timelines and priorities while identifying your own development needs

 

What we need from you:

  • A passion for food and a strong understanding of sensory and consumer research
  • At least 12 months’ experience in sensory or consumer research (including placement experience)
  • Sound knowledge of sensory science principles and evaluation methodologies
  • A confident group leader, comfortable working both independently and collaboratively
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to tell a clear story from complex data
  • High numerical capability, with excellent Excel and PowerPoint skills
  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • BSc in Food Science, Food Technology, Marketing or a related discipline
  • Completion of a professional sensory course
  • Experience using sensory software such as XLstat, RedJade or similar
  • Full UK driving licence

 

What we offer you in return...?

  • Competitive salary
  • Up to 7.5% pension
  • Life assurance
  • Wide range of online and in-house training
  • Access to an employee discount scheme, with access to hundreds of nationwide retailers

 

Ready to apply...?

Click apply, submitting an up-to-date CV tailored to this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you. 

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need. 

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