Sensory Specialist

Date: 1 Dec 2023

Country: Netherlands

Function: Innovation, Quality & Food Safety

Sub-Function: Innovation

The chances are you’ve already experienced a little of ofi today. One in five chocolate bars produced anywhere in the world use our cocoa beans and products. We supply enough coffee beans to brew over 90 billion cups of coffee and our nuts, spices and dairy products are used in millions of products around the world. But we don’t just source or grow the raw materials for these products: our team of chefs and food scientists are working closely with our customers, sharing our fresh ideas to inspire new concepts. Making it real at every step, from plant to palate.

ofi is a global leader at the forefront of food & beverage consumer trends. Through its complementary portfolio of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices ofi delivers sustainable, natural, and plant-based ingredients & solutions to its global and diversified customer base. ofi has 20,000+ employees, is in 51 countries and supplies food and raw materials to over 8,000 customers.

We’re also driven by our Purpose – ‘Be the change for good food and a healthy future’. By working with ofi, you’ll be helping to create real impact on the ground. Sustainability is built into our business model - from our offices to our farming operations and supply chains, we’re acting across issues as diverse as farmer livelihood, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions.

The role

An opportunity has arisen for a Sensory Specialist in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In this position, as expert on sensory science, you are responsible for sensory testing in every phase of development project, from sensory analysis of existing products towards testing concepts and setting up sensory specifications for new ingredients of ofi. You will work closely with Plant Science, Ingredient Excellence Centres(IEC) and the Customer Solution Centre(CSC) in Amsterdam towards the development of new ingredients and applications. You will also be supporting processing sites for trouble shooting on sensory deviations and local sensory panel performance for quality control.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of CSC EMENA, the main duties of this role will include:

Functions as Subject matter expert on sensory science in projects of Plant Science, Research and Development.
Designs sensory methodologies in support of product optimization and innovation for ingredients and consumer products.
Coordinates the execution of sensory trials and manages the preparation of resources
Works in a laboratory setting, with a hands-on approach
Communicates observations and suggests next steps in the product development phase
Analyzes the data and provides feedback to appropriate team members, including but not limited to product development, marketing, foodservice and market research. Reports findings and provides recommendations to team members.
Provides training to internal sensory panels for sensory testing dedicated to development projects
Assists in the development of standardized practices, protocols and processes to help align sensory analysis across the organization.
Monitoring performance of sensory panels
Main point of contact for customers on sensory activities and methodologies
Executing these responsibilities while taking into consideration; HR, safety, quality, energy and environmental policies.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will possess the following:

MSc in Sensory Science or equivalent
Sensory specialist with 5+ years’ experience in ingredient and/or product sensory analysis
Proficient with the use of sensory and statistical systems.
Initiative to improve and develop sensory capabilities independently
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate details both verbally and written
Excellent team player with a positive can-do attitude and ability to partner with various teams within the organization to provide insight

ofi is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, nationality, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants are requested to complete all required steps in the application process including providing a resume/CV in order to be considered for open roles.