Experience

Sensory Spectrum

• United States
• Consumer Goods
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Project Manager - Product Understanding

  • Sep 2021 - Present



Mars Wrigley Confectionary

• Hackettstown, New Jersey

• Associate Scientist - Sensory (Descriptive Panel Manager)

  • Jan 2015 - Jun 2021

  As the Associate Scientist - Sensory, my main responsibility is ensuring our descriptive analysis program is run expertly and efficiently. This begins by working with our external consultant partners to recruit and identify highly motivated and dedicated candidates. Coordinate all aspects of on-boarding and training new panelists including overseeing technician support and creating protocols and schedules as well as lead training sessions. Lead sensory panels as well as manage the personal development and engagement of individual panelists. Work closely with sensory scientists, product developers and regional and global internal customers to construct descriptive analysis strategies for project work. Continuously improve upon protocols and procedures. Collaborate with other panel leaders and technicians to ensure sensory lab is set up and run in a professional and efficient manner. Working with international partners I have successfully facilitated the creation of Spectrum descriptive analysis panels in Europe and Asia. This included exhaustive exploration of local resources to create relevant attribute references as well as on-site in-person support. I oversee a global community of panel leaders, maintaining communication to ensure harmonization across all Mars Wrigley global panels. I am also a skilled focus group moderator. I expertly facilitate consumer product groups by actively listening and use participants' comments to tease out a more in-depth discussion. My sensory background is an asset as it brings out my inherent ability to draw out a more descriptive conversation. Results give R&D a clear direction for product improvements. Show less



American Heritage Historic Chocolate, a Division of Mars, Inc.

• Chocolate History Ambassador

  • Aug 2011 - Jun 2021

  In addition to my position as Descriptive Panel Manager, I am a trained Chocolate History Ambassador for Mars, Inc's American Heritage Historical Chocolate division. I travel across the country and take part in educational presentations and hands-on demonstrations using American Heritage Chocolate. I work together with our partners to educate consumers on the history of the Americas through the unique lens of chocolate. In addition to my position as Descriptive Panel Manager, I am a trained Chocolate History Ambassador for Mars, Inc's American Heritage Historical Chocolate division. I travel across the country and take part in educational presentations and hands-on demonstrations using American Heritage Chocolate. I work together with our partners to educate consumers on the history of the Americas through the unique lens of chocolate.



Mars

• United States
• Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Sensory Technician

  • Oct 2008 - Jan 2015

  Facilitate all aspects of maintaining, training and leading the descriptive analysis panel including recruitment and training of new panelists, continuous training and refreshing of existing panelists, and leading multiple panels and panel sessions on a weekly basis. Create training protocols based on specific project needs. Efficiently and effectively monitor and organize all incoming project samples for panel evaluation. Responsible for prioritization and scheduling of panel work. Work and communicate with sensory scientists and product developers on strategies and plans for coordinating projects for optimal execution. Work with global partners within the business to optimize resources on shared activities. Show less

• Sensory Conformance Technician

  • Oct 2004 - Oct 2008

  Coordinated and oversaw all aspects of Sensory Quality in plant production. Trained all plant personnel responsible for quality sensory checks and maintained documentation for such. Trained personnel for daily quality panels and ran several quality panels every day. Coordinated and ran validation of all sensory-trained personnel. Trained personnel at co-manufacturers to meet Mars standards for Sensory.

• Descriptive Analysis Panelist

  • Sep 2000 - Oct 2004

  Received extensive training in flavor and texture analysis. As a trained panelist, participated in descriptive analysis profiling of a wide variety of foods and confections using Spectrum methodology. Gained valuable experience working within a group of peers, which enhanced my group dynamic and communication skills. Gained experience using Compusense software.



Warner-Lambert Company

• Senior Administrative Assistant

  • Jun 1985 - Sep 1991