Consumer Testing Lead

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.

About the Role:

We’re looking for a hands-on, team-oriented individual to lead our Consumer Testing team! In this role, you'll be the go-to person for ensuring that each test runs smoothly, meets client expectations, and provides a supportive and engaging environment for both staff and participants. If you thrive in dynamic settings and enjoy mentoring others, this could be a great fit!

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, support, and mentor Consumer Testing Associates, fostering a collaborative and upbeat team culture.

• Oversee the daily execution of consumer tests, ensuring they are well-organized, consistent, and high-quality.

• Serve as the main point of contact for troubleshooting any issues that arise during testing sessions.

• Liaise with clients to ensure all aspects of their consumer tests meet expectations.

• Step in as needed to perform the duties of a Consumer Testing Associate.

• Take on additional tasks and special projects as assigned.

This position is part-time, up to 25 hours per week. This role requires a flexible schedule, with varying weekly hours and occasional weekend availability.

The ideal candidate would possess:

• Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions
• Being able to adapt to different consumer test needs
• Critical thinking and ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
• Interpersonal skills to interact with both the public and Eurofins National Food Labs’ clients
• Strong computer skills and ability to navigate the computer easily (particularly Internet, Microsoft Office and Outlook programs and systems)
• Pride in self by maintaining a professional appearance and demeanor
• Flexibility in regard to scheduling including long hours and the ability to travel to multiple test sites in Livermore, CA

Qualifications

• Minimum of high school diploma or a GED equivalent certification
• Basic knowledge of computers and software programs
• Must be able to work on your feet up to 12 hours

This position is eligible for our 401(k) program but does not include medical benefits.

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 Livermore, CA are encouraged to apply.

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