Supervises kitchen and laboratory activities in conjunction with Sensory testing. Responsible to ensure that useful, accurate consumer data is gathered to achieve test goals. Demonstrate competency on all consumer test methods, serving procedures and rotations, lab use of the CompuSense automated serving system, product preparation and serving equipment. Lead the set up, and management of individual consumer tests, entering information into the Access Database, and ensuring that Innovation Research is meeting customer service standards. Takes lead role in maintenance of records, routine maintenance to equipment, assists in preparation of products. Able to swing across several key roles (cooking, serving, moderating, receptionist, panelist calls) and train new employees on necessary functions.

Position Responsibilities

Personnel Management

Manage lab staff in effective test execution

Manage staff time cards and payroll information

Complete PMP and IDP process for full time employees

Manage and update staff assignments and task lists

Lead activities for consumer testing, have primary responsibility for test set up and prep

Responsible for setting up, modifying and improving all lab/kitchen procedures

Set up lab for daily testing

Calculate cooking rotation for days testing

Prioritize tasks and assign lab positions

Perform test cook and correct heating instructions as necessary

Set up room for visual including printing tent card numbers

Greet/Moderate testers

Make sure all tasks are completed at the end of day

Journal daily protocol

Prep CompuSense ballot, print hard copy ballot

Test run questionnaire in lab

Prepare paper ballot for visual and offsite testing

Collate paperwork and fill coolers for take home testing

Receive and code next day’s product

Coordinate product inventory

Manage routine maintenance of kitchen/lab, ensure materials are available and ready to use

Code and temper product for next days testing

Perform thermometer calibration (weekly)

Perform microwave wattage testing (monthly)

Help put recruitment surveys together

Shop for cleaning and testing supplies

Inventory and place paper good order

Supervise clean out of all product storage areas

Help organize offsite kid testing

Position Qualifications
Candidates must be able to manage multiple activities simultaneously. Experience supervising other employees desireable. Must be skilled at dealing with numeric information, and have functional skills on standard computer software (Microsoft Office). Experience with food preparation or laboratory activity preferred. High School diploma or equivalent required. Additional training or education desired.