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.

If an hourly or salary range is included in this ad it represents the range 7-Eleven in good faith believes is the range of compensation for this role at the time of this posting. The Company may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in this state. This range may be modified in the future. No amount is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable under the terms and conditions of the applicable policies and plans. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, long-term incentive compensation, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

For a general description of all benefits 7-Eleven is offering in the US for the position, please visit this link.