JOB SUMMARY :

Working in a fast paced and dynamic environment, the Sensory Testing manager will be responsible for overseeing the internal sensory testing process, database management, testing protocols and data analysis for consumer products at 7-Eleven.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES :

• Utilize consumer insights and industry trends to identify high potential new product/platforms for the hot foods plus program. Translate insights into high sales potential products to fill the pipeline for both regional and national product introductions.
• • Lead the development, testing and implementation of fresh food products through the 7-Eleven business system by working closely with a cross functional team (QA, Engineering, Purchasing, Ops Development, Sensory, Packaging, Marketing, etc) and utilizing 7-Eleven’s MD stage gate product development process.
• • Develop strategies and timelines for product development projects; drive projects to ensure key milestones are met; identify contingency plans and assess risks with a sense of urgency.
• • Manage key relationships with supplier/partners to manage and positively influence product development; use technical skills to outline development approach and guidelines.
• • Effectively communicate project details and strategies to groups including franchisees, field operations and executives.
• • Rigorous documentation of development process through detailed specifications outlining food safety, organoleptic and physical/chemical attributes.
• • Identify capabilities needed including equipment, ingredients, or skills within the partner facilities.
• • Utilize food science knowledge to troubleshoot product quality opportunities and/or identify improvements.
• Collaborate with Category Managers and Product Directors to have a clear vision of the category of longer-term strategies and white spaces within product matrices.
• Experienced thought leader with ability to present innovation, products and platforms with supported business rationale
• Embody the 7-Eleven leadership principles of Customer Obsession, Challenging the Status Quo, Courageous with Your Point of View, acting like an entrepreneur and having an ‘It Can be Done’ Attitude.
• Ability to hire / terminate
• Conduct performance appraisals
• Manage day to day activities
• Physical requirements: Kneeling ; Stooping ; Walking ; Standing ; Bending ; Rep Motion / Data Entry.
• Lifting Requirements: Floor to Waist: Up to 50 lbs; Waist to Shoulder: Up to 50 lbs; Overhead: Up to 50 lbs; Carry 20 feet: 20-25 lbs
• Travel Requirement: 25%

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATION: Bachelors/4 Yr Degree – BSc Food Science/Culinary Science

YEARS OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE: 5+ years

YEARS OF MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE: NA

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS :

5+ years Food Product Development in relevant categories (proteins, batter & breaded products, parfried) ; experience in Food Service/QSR/c-store industry a plus.

Intellectual curiosity and creativity with a passion for being craveable products to life.

Able to work in a fast-paced environment that ebbs and flows with changes in the market and customer landscape.