Consumer & Sensory Research Site Manager

Company Description

SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy. Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet, and health & beauty products so as to create high quality and memorable experiences. We help our clients:

• Develop new product ideas
• Re-energize a well-established product
• Assess product-concept fit or packaging effectiveness
• Understand the product, brand and category competitive landscapes
• Protect product quality from inception to the end of shelf life

SAM The National Food Lab is the division of SAM that provides these services for all USA-based clients. Our sensory science program resides in our USA headquarters in Minneapolis, MN.

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic, self-starting Research Site Manager to lead the launch of our brand-new Consumer & Sensory Testing Facility in Bound Brook, NJ. As the site is currently in the construction phase, we’re looking for someone eager to take ownership of this exciting venture—someone who takes pride in building and organizing a facility from the ground up. This individual will play a key role in ensuring the site becomes fully operational, managing day-to-day operations with a focus on efficiency and seamless execution. It’s a unique opportunity to pave the way, implement best practices, and drive operational success from the start.

Reporting to the Operations Director, the Consumer & Sensory Research Site Manager will be responsible for hiring and training site staff, managing logistical planning, establishing local fielding solutions for consumer testing, and supporting consumer database growth. This role also includes supervising the site team, implementing training programs, and continually refining field operations to ensure top-tier service delivery. We’re looking for a proactive, driven individual ready to lead with confidence, set the standard for operational excellence, and be a cornerstone of this innovative new location.

Key Responsibilities:

Staff Management & Training

• Master established fielding protocols and utilize this expertise to train and support team members, ensuring proper fielding practices, client satisfaction, and the maintenance of operational excellence.
• Hire, supervise and schedule field staff to ensure coverage for consumer & sensory test preparation, facility needs and project execution, while proactively addressing and solving coverage challenges.
• Continuously review methodologies and processes, looking for opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, safety and employee performance.

Research Logistics & Execution

• Coordinate logistics for project execution and work closely with project teams to ensure research studies are executed efficiently and according to the approved test design.
• Collaborate with Project Coordinators to understand test protocols and ensure the feasibility of test design and execution plans for the fielding facility, anticipating potential issues and applying critical thinking to resolve challenges or propose solutions as needed.
• Serve as the primary onsite contact for clients, fostering a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere; proactively address testing needs, develop fielding solutions as required, and ensure a positive client experience that promotes overall satisfaction.
• Procurement of test materials, supplies, products, and equipment needed for Consumer & Sensory research studies.
• Manage shipping and receiving logistics to accommodate client needs, ensuring timely delivery and proper handling and storage of test materials.
• Proactively identify and secure alternative local locations to field consumer research studies and coordinate logistics.

Facility & Operations Management

• Oversee the daily operation and maintenance of the research facility, ensuring a clean, safe, and efficient environment while adhering to established health, safety, and company protocols.
• Develop and maintain a schedule for required facility and equipment maintenance, manage repairs and upgrades, and oversee vendor relationships for facility services.
• Maintain an organized inventory of supplies, research materials, and equipment, using this information to efficiently prepare for projects, minimize unnecessary operational spending, and provide valuable information during the bidding stage of projects to streamline sales.

Database Growth & Community Engagement

• Support database growth for consumer research studies by networking and cultivating relationships with local businesses and organizations to recruit new participants.
• Support marketing and outreach efforts to increase community engagement.

Qualifications

Interpersonal Communication & Technical Proficiencies:

• Strong written communication skills for drafting clear, concise facility reports, real-time operational updates, and professional correspondence
• Confident interpersonal communicator with effective leadership and people management abilities
• Able to act as a leader through team work and peer collaboration
• Instinctual problem solving skills with a creative and solution-oriented mindset
• Analytical thinker with the ability to improve daily processes while able to envision larger organizational goals
• Inspires passion and driving excellence through their leading by example
• Sharp critical thinking skills with heightened attention to detail
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other role-relevant software tools (e.g., scheduling, reporting, documentation)
• Advanced computer skills in additional Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

People Management & Communication:

• Well-developed team management skills for logistical needs- scheduling driven by the need for efficiency, and performance management though constructive feedback or effective discipline when appropriate
• Demonstrates strong business acumen by understanding the implications of decision-making, emphasizing the importance of profitability, and aligning work with strategic goals through market and competitive awareness.
• Exhibits professionalism through a tactful and composed approach while maintaining an easy manner while under pressure; consistently treating others with respect and consideration regardless of status or position.
• Consistent and effective communication when managing change, developing practical implementation plans and building commitment to overcome resistance. Able to prepare and support those affected by change through the ongoing evaluation of results.
• Organizing and action planning around prioritized goals and objectives, work activities, and shifting deadlines
• Communicates clearly and effectively across teams by balancing client and business needs with individual and team responsibilities. Demonstrates objectivity and openness to diverse perspectives, while actively contributing to a positive team environment—prioritizing collective success, fostering morale, and supporting shared goals.
• Values integrity and dependability, consistently taking ownership to support and fulfill the needs of both self and team.
• Shows dedication with willingness and eagerness to work flexible hours in support of project needs, reflecting a strong commitment to drive and deliver results.

Qualifying Required Education & Background Experience:

• A Bachelor’s (4-year) degree in Food Sciences, Hospitality, Market, Research, Management or related field
• 3 years in management role
• 5 years of experience in hospitality, foodservice management, facilities management, and/or consumer insights
• Advanced experience in facility management, operation, and/or research logistics
• Must have prior supervisory experience and the ability to coordinate a variety of project tasks in an office environment.
• Experience or exposure to consumer research, market research, and/or event planning a plus but not required

Additional Information

Required Licenses or Certificates:

• Valid Driver’s License and Proof of Insurance
• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:                

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds (50 lbs. with assistance).
• The employee must have the ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Lab regularly processes known food allergens including egg, soy, wheat, milk, fish,  and shellfish, treenuts, peanuts, sulfites, gluten, chocolate, fruit, natural or artificial sweeteners (like aspartame or Phenylalanine), natural or artificial colors.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Candidates currently living in a commutable distance to Bound Brook, New Jersey encouraged to apply

Eurofins USA Food Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.